Tell Us Your Story. What motivated you to start your business? Why are you passionate about what you do?

I am Ben Liegey, Founder & CEO at BetterTable.ca. My journey began after discovering the significant food waste issue in Canada, which costs the economy billions annually. As a French immigrant arriving in 2018, the staggering numbers were eye-opening, with $49 billion attributed to avoidable food waste, $7 billion from the hospitality sector alone. My entrepreneurial spirit dates back to selling surplus cherries as a child in France, where my passion for good food blossomed. With a background in food and environmental sciences, an Executive MBA, and 14 years of expertise in food waste prevention, I founded BetterTable.ca. Based in Vancouver, our company helps commercial kitchens waste less and earn more. Why am I so passionate about operating a BC business dedicated to reducing food waste? 1. I CARE ABOUT SUSTAINABILITY I am grateful to live, grow my company and enjoy outdoor adventures on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Nations. Preserving this beautiful nature is key. Yet, according to the United Nations, food waste accounts for 10% of total CO2 emissions. 2. I LOVE BC I selected Vancouver as the headquarters for BetterTable.ca because it has been my home since 2018. I got inspired by the city's strong commitment to sustainability and its goal to become the greenest city in the world. I love that BC has introduced a new incorporation status: the benefit company. I chose to incorporate under this status in 2023. 3. I AM A CREATIVE FOODIE I love creative ways to use food that would typically be discarded, such as making pesto sauce from Parmesan cheese rinds and carrot greens or banana bread using overripe bananas and their peels. https://BetterTable.ca/banana 4. I SEE AN ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY: Canadian leaders in hospitality and tourism want profitable restaurants, especially with the recent increase in food prices. An average Canadian restaurant wastes $51,000 per year. In Vancouver, 66% of this is avoidable. When the profit margin is expected to be 1% in 2024. My commitment to sustainability and improving food efficiency in hospitality fuels our mission at BetterTable.ca: empowering kitchens to halve food waste, one table at a time.

Describe and demonstrate, including metrics, your community support. How do you support and uplift your community, and how do they show that support in return? Minimum 25 words, maximum 2500 characters.

BetterTable.ca is deeply committed to supporting the community through different initiatives. ADVANCING FOOD POLICY We have actively volunteered in 3 BC organizations related to food policy, in various positions: - Board Member of the National Zero Waste Council - Member of the Vancouver Food Policy Council - Chair of the Food Waste Working Group for Metro Vancouver Zero Waste Plan Update. FREE RESOURCES We share a monthly newsletter and produce a podcast about food, sustainability and diversity in the tourism and hospitality industry https://BetterTable.ca/shortcast We offer free food waste prevention online training: https://rethink.restaurant RAISING AWARENESS We have conducted several workshops in schools and with the local community to raise awareness about food waste reduction. Our efforts have been recognized by the DIVERSEcity Food Justice Advocate Award in 2023. Additionally, I am working on a documentary film about reducing food waste to further spread awareness and solutions: https://foodsynergymovie.ca LOCAL PARTNERSHIPS We collaborate with BC-based organizations fighting food insecurity, including Vancouver Food Runners and FoodMesh. This collaboration was particularly beneficial in navigating the challenges brought on by the pandemic, impacting our target market. SPONSORSHIP OF COMMUNITY EVENTS We have sponsored events from 3 organizations: the BC Hotel Association Summit, SKAL Vancouver events and the BC Hospitality Foundation (to support individuals in the hospitality industry facing financial crisis due to a health issue). SUSTAINABLE IMPACT The impact of BetterTable.ca's work on our clients is helping our community, with measurable outcomes. Our clients save on average: $1K / 342 meals / 450 kg CO2 per month For more metrics, check out our impact report: https://BetterTable.ca/impact/2023 Through these initiatives, BetterTable.ca not only supports but also uplifts the community, creating a sustainable and inclusive environment. In return, the community shows support for BetterTable.ca by recognizing our contributions and embracing better sustainable practices.

Why do you deserve to win the Business Impact award?

BetterTable.ca deserves to win the Business Impact Award due to our outstanding contributions to sustainability, leadership in the hospitality industry, and dedication to creating positive change within the community. In the ever-changing world of hospitality and the numerous challenges it presents, BetterTable.ca has remained steadfast in our determination to drive positive change. We have facilitated a remarkable 7:1 return on investment for our clients, showcasing the financial benefits of our solutions. We help businesses achieve a triple bottom line. In November 2023, BetterTable.ca was selected by Vancity to receive the EnviroFund grant, to support and empower innovative environmental initiatives that contribute to positive impact across BC communities. This prestigious grant has enabled BetterTable.ca to support 10 foodservice operators from Tofino to the Okanagan in conducting comprehensive food efficiency assessments. Here are some feedback we received in 2024: “BetterTable.ca’s dedication to sustainability and food waste prevention has transformed our operations. Thanks to their innovative strategies and support, we have managed to cut our food waste at our restaurant, Hunter’s Club, by an impressive 50% over the past year.” - Huntingdon Manor Hotel, Victoria, BC "It was eye opening for everyone and put a lot in perspective for the team." - Delta Hotels by Marriott Kamloops, BC We have also developed strategic partnerships with different Destination Marketing Organizations, including Destination BC, the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association and Tourism Richmond. “The Regenerative Tourism Grant Program has been established to support the growth of sustainable initiatives in Richmond. Tourism Richmond Stakeholders can receive up to $2,000 to undertake a comprehensive food wastage audit with Vancouver-based BetterTable.” https://visitrichmondbc.com/stakeholder-resources/regenerative-solutions What sets us apart is its holistic approach to addressing food waste prevention, focusing on the foodservice industry. We believe in business as a force for good, and always go beyond our bottom line to create positive change. In BC and beyond. Overall, BetterTable.ca's unique expertise, and commitment to sustainability and diversity make our benefit company a deserving candidate for the Business Impact award.

Tell Us About Your Culture. How are you creating a sustainable and healthy workplace where everyone feels welcome? Provide examples of leadership you show in interactions with clients, vendors, contractors, staff and others.

At BetterTable.ca, we are dedicated to creating a sustainable and healthy workplace where everyone feels valued and welcome. Our culture is built on sustainability, inclusivity, innovation and continuous improvement. SUSTAINABILITY Sustainability is at the core of everything we do. We implement eco-friendly practices in our operations and encourage our team to adopt low-carbon ways of life. Such as using Mobi Bikes, Modo and Evo for travel, tracking our internal food efficiency and carbon footprint. All new members need to become BetterTable certified. This helps enhance our public image and attract top talent. As of today, 1,000+ users have been through the BetterTable Academy. DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION We strive for a healthy and inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome. As a certified diverse supplier by the Canadian 2SLGBTQI+ Chamber of Commerce (CGLCC), we actively promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in our workplace. We track our spending on diverse vendors and contractors. We have also sourced accessible shelving and updated our website to be accessible and translated into the languages most commonly spoken in BC. Our articles of incorporation explicitly state our dedication to supporting all underrepresented groups. INNOVATION Innovation plays a crucial role in our quest to revolutionize the food service industry. One of our most creative tools are the BetterTable Academy and the BetterTable Card Game. Designed to engage and educate professionals on practical strategies for reducing food waste in commercial kitchens, it introduces a fun and interactive way to learn best practices. Some of our clients have reduced food waste by 49% in a few months. The number of new solutions successfully brought to market and our 5 star Google Reviews increased by 50%. CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT We are dedicated to continually improving our operations by enhancing processes and solutions through ongoing evaluation and feedback, using namely the Net Promoter Score. This commitment ensures we meet the evolving needs of our stakeholders. In 2022, we advocated for sharing food waste data by passing a motion at the Vancouver Food Policy Council. Our future goals include expanding efforts to create policies incentivizing restaurants to take action. By embodying these values in our daily operations and interactions, BetterTable.ca creates a workplace where everyone feels welcome and empowered to contribute to a sustainable future.

Why do you think you should win the Premier’s People’s Choice Award?

As a Vancouver-based benefit company, BetterTable.ca should win the Premier's People's Choice Award due to our dedication to sustainability, positive impact on the community, and innovative approach to addressing a critical issue in the tourism and hospitality industry. Here are 7 reasons why we deserve this recognition: 1. ADDRESSING A CRITICAL ISSUE: With 58% of food produced in Canada being wasted (worth $49 billion), BetterTable.ca is tackling a significant problem that affects our entire community. Our work contribute to several UN Sustainable Development Goals, from reducing food waste by 50% to climate action. 2. COMPREHENSIVE APPROACH We offer a suite of solutions including online training, food efficiency audits, technology, and a marketplace to make the most of your dollars. Food is designed to be enjoyed, not composted. 3. TANGIBLE IMPACT BetterTable.ca has achieved impressive results for its clients: on average, a 30% reduction in food waste, a 7:1 return on investment, and prevention of 12 tonnes of CO2 per year. 4. INDUSTRY RECOGNITION Our company has received praise from industry leaders, including executive chefs at major hotels and restaurants, as well as sustainability experts in the foodservice industry. 5. COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT Our Founder Ben Liegey, is actively involved in various working groups, including the Vancouver Food Policy Council and the Metro Vancouver Waste Working Group, and is co-producing a documentary about BC food waste solutions, from farm to table. 6. LOCAL SUCCESS STORY Founded by an immigrant entrepreneur, belonging to the LGBT community, BetterTable.ca embodies the spirit of innovation and diversity that British Columbia celebrates. Our success has been fueled by a loan with Futurpreneur and BDC. 7. POTENTIAL FOR SCALABILITY BetterTable.ca's model has the potential to be replicated in other provinces and geographic areas, amplifying its positive impact beyond British Columbia. We have developed an IP Strategy and are starting to attend Trade Missions, such as in Palm Springs, California, to maximize our impact. By voting for BetterTable.ca, the community would be recognizing a company that not only provides valuable services to local businesses but also encourages more commercial kitchens to adopt better practices. Are you ready to Waste Less & Earn More? Vote for BetterTable.ca!