Vancouver, BC | Growing Chefs! Chefs for Children’s Urban Agriculture welcomes Helen Stortini as its new Executive Director. Stortini, formerly of the David Suzuki Foundation, takes over for founder and current Executive Director Merri Schwartz.

“I’m thrilled to be part of such an important and innovative organization,” says Stortini. “What better way to empower and excite children about what they eat than involving them firsthand in the growth of their own vegetables. It has such potential to positively affect their health and their relationship with food. And it’s a wonderful opportunity to a build community among children, parents, chefs, and growers.”

Stortini has been a professional fundraiser for the past four years, most recently as Development Manager at the David Suzuki Foundation, where she managed the Foundation’s annual giving and direct marketing campaigns. Stortini’s no stranger to the classroom, either. She spent a year in Japan teaching English to elementary school children with the American Language School. She also possesses a deep passion for sustainable eating and urban gardening.

Schwartz, who founded Growing Chefs! in the fall of 2005, will be stepping down as Executive Director, but plans to join the Board of Directors and help run the organization’s school program.

“I still care deeply about Growing Chefs!, and plan to contribute to the organization in every way that I can,” Schwartz says. “We are delighted to have Helen on board. Her past experience and her values completely support our goals and objectives, and we look forward to her ideas and contributions.”

Growing Chefs! is a non-profit society that encourages the growth and development of children’s urban agriculture. It seeks to provide an avenue for chefs and growers to engage with the community and support food sustainability.

More info at GrowingChefs.ca.