Our History is in the Making

Many people remark on the consistency and quality of the Women’s Culinary Network We work hard to achieve this. Persistence is important to us, not only in our organization, but also in remembering our purpose. We began in 1990, four women chefs who found themselves in a small kitchen. The respect, hard work, knowledge and companionship that we shared led us to believe that more women in the food industry could benefit and contribute their experiences to an organization that would expand and define a supportive work environment. Our reasons for continuing the WCN remain the same.

Our Membership is Far-Reaching

We have many established members who are very well known and respected in their fields as well culinary students and those just starting out in the business. Members from all walks of food life - chefs, home economists, product developers, cooking teachers, cookbook authors, food stylists, caterers, dietitians, manufacturers, recipe testers and developers, publicists - the range is fascinating and rich.

Our low membership fee is vital. We have a student rate as well. We are determined to reach as many women as possible from all walks of food. Our group is a first level entry into the world of food networking.

We pride ourselves on our global make up. Our members hail from the four corners of the globe, enriching our group with information and culinary tastes and that are truly delicious and exciting. We reflect the multicultural mosaic that Toronto has become.

Our Organization is Welcoming

We encourage participation from our members, welcome their ideas and assistance. Much of our success is due to their hard work and commitment.

To keep costs low, we depend on volunteers to assist in the formation and maintenance of committees. We have several: Finance, Newsletter, Events Planning, Directory, Registration and Cookbook. Due to the time commitment required for particular positions, we offer some honorariums. Our Board of Directors is responsible for committee decisions.

Our Meetings are Dynamic

We meet four to five times a year in a social setting with a theme. Past meetings have included panels with members who are well known in their respective fields, pot luck dinners, wine and food tastings, slide shows and cooking demos by food stylists, chefs and recipe developers. We also set aside a solid hour at our meetings to allow people to meet and chat, get to know one another, exchange cards and ask questions.

Our Directory is Valuable

We publish a directory that lists the name, address, contact numbers and area of expertise of each member. It is of tremendous value for people looking for expertise in a field or just starting out.

Our Newsletter is Detailed

To facilitate communication among members, we publish a newsletter five times a year. It recaps the previous meeting, alerts members of other individual's projects, interviews and media appearances. It outlines upcoming events in the food community and keeps our membership in touch with the pulse of our organization. It lists new members, as well as marriage and birth announcements too, because the familial side of life is essential to a growing, caring organization.

Our Email News is Current

For more immediate communication among members, we publish the WCN Email News on the 15th day of each month. It alerts members to upcoming WCN meetings and events and informs them of current job postings and upcoming events in the food community.

Sign-up today