We value multiculturalism in Canada. That’s why this BCC event was a meaningful opportunity for newcomers to experience different cultures through different foods. Food is a great way to bring people from different ethnic groups together. In the summer of 2024, we hosted a multicultural picnic and recipe exchange at Fleetwood Park. We shared recipes for Chinese cold noodles, Indian curry chicken and fried rice, Korean grilled chicken, and Japanese sushi. Participants also sampled the food. Following government health regulations and prioritizing safety precautions, volunteers wore plastic gloves and masks to deliver the food to participants. Paper plates, cups, and forks were used for the environment, and newcomers were educated and informed about the need to practice this.
For many newcomers, this was their first time trying a different culture’s food. The food was so delicious, they enjoyed the food they had never tried before, and people kept asking the presenters about the sauces, seasonings, and ingredients in each recipe. There was a lot of interaction between participants. This event provided people with an opportunity to learn about the cuisines of each country through a variety of dishes, share recipes and learn skills to try new foods, and it was also an opportunity to strengthen solidarity by helping to better understand multiculturalism in our community.
