KELOWNA, B.C. — Kunal Dighe, dual executive chef for JW Marriott Parq Vancouver and the DOUGLAS, has been awarded the 2023 BC Hotel Association Awards of Excellence in the category Heart of Hospitality.

The award was presented to Dighe for his exceptional work with his culinary team and the Vancouver Food Runners program to provide 63 food donations – an equivalent of 4,629 meals in the city.

Throughout the pandemic, Dighe shifted his focus towards reducing food waste to promote sustainability and contribute to the community. Recognizing the high-waste nature of a large-scale kitchen, he dedicated careful consideration to better food ordering, utilization and composting practice. To ensure as little waste as possible, Dighe partnered with the Vancouver Food Runners.

“I’m truly honoured to have received this award. It’s a recognition that belongs to the whole team,” says Dighe. “We’re immensely grateful to be working alongside Vancouver Food Runners which fulfills such an important role in re-directing surplus food to those who need it. Our team at JW Marriott Parq Vancouver and the DOUGLAS have learned a lot from this partnership, and we strive to continue minimizing food waste in the hospitality industry as much as possible. Thank you to everyone involved, and thank you to the BC Hotel Association. Don’t waste, let’s donate.”

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