Vancouver chefs rally to provide food delivery program to mourning Filipino community

TJ Conwi is among a number of chefs who have rallied to provide meals to those in need following the attack on a Filipino festival in Vancouver.

As Vancouver works to piece itself back together in the wake of a horrific attack that killed 11 and injured countless more, the local culinary community has emerged to help with the healing.

Vancouver chef TJ Conwi, owner of Ono Vancouver, is supporting those affected by the Lapu-Lapu Day tragedy with a charity meal program that provides comfort and solace with free, filling soul-food.

“We know that food is medicine. Without food you can’t heal,” says Conwi.

“The victims, families and people that witnessed it are going through a lot right now… and we’re here.”

The project sprung into action Sunday evening when Cyril de Ramos, the founder of Filipino dessert brand Hanap, began delivering coffee and pastries to the nurses and the first responders caring for the victims.

Conwi launched a food delivery program in 2020 to support those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and says expanding the initiative to cater to the Filipino community was a “natural response.” Ramos, Conwi, and chefs and business owners already involved with the initial, crowdfunded project – including those from Goldilocks Bake Shop, Lee’s Donuts, Klasik Inasal, Shameless Buns – rallied to pivot the operation, cooking, packaging and delivering meals in the aftermath of the attack.

The packages comprise seven days worth of dishes, breakfast, lunches and dinners, for a family of four to six people.

Conwi says the chefs are working to deliver “culturally comforting meals,” including traditional Filipino dishes like adobo chicken, fried rice, lumpia and sinigang, to offer relief and a taste of home when it’s needed the most.

“You want to heal with something that is comforting no matter what, something that reminds you of what mom cooked, so that you can heal properly, rest properly,” he said.

As of Wednesday morning the initiative had seen over 250 meals delivered to hospitals and homes throughout Vancouver, and with no timeframe for healing, Conwi says that number will continue to grow as the service carries on for as long as it’s needed.

“I know that it’s not going to be just one year. It’s not going to be just two years. It’s going to take so long for the community to heal,” he says.

“So as long as they need the food, we are there for them. If there are any gatherings, we will try our best to make sure that we provide for them.”

Conwi has partnered with Vancouver Food Runners to ensure the meals are delivered promptly and safely, with the chefs chipping in to assist whenever they can find time away from the kitchen. Conwi visited victims at Vancouver General Hospital with meals in tow on Monday, while Top Chef Canada alumni Mark Singson delivered packages to St. Paul’s Hospital Wednesday morning.

Conwi says recipients have said they feel “blessed” and thankful – not only for the food security and provided nourishment but for the sense of connection that the program is strengthening.

In the Filipino language there is a word, kapwa, that roughly translates to ‘community’ but holds a much deeper meaning related to interconnection, says Conwi.

He describes it with the phrase “you and me are one,” adding how Filipinos have a “certain sense” of empathy.

“When they see each other, it doesn’t matter if they don’t know each other, no matter where they’re from, it’s like, ‘we are kapwa,’ this is now, us, we are together,” he says.