Bissell Centre launched Bissell Harvest Catering, the newest of the agency’s social enterprises, in June. In development since 2023, the downstairs kitchen in the Bissell East building (10527 96th Street) has been expanded and modernized. Meal preparation capacity has been increased from 36,000 meals per month to 50,000. The expansion provides capacity for the social enterprise to offer catering services to the general public.

According to the Bissell Harvest catering website (bissellharvest.ca): “... when you choose our elevated cuisine for your next event, you’re not just indulging in a fantastic meal - you’re also helping to elevate the lives of people right here in Edmonton. It’s like a meal with a side of good karma!”

Prasanna Peddireddy, Manager of Food Services, has been part of Bissell’s Food Services for seven years. He brings more than 23 years of culinary skills and international experience to the project. He is equally comfortable putting together bag lunches for 300 community members who come to Bissell for programs and services as plating such dishes as honey garlic chicken with creamy mashed potatoes and crisp vegetables. He envisions the development of the catering business as another tool for sustaining the long term viability of Bissell Centre. Peddireddy states, “We have the skills and capacity and are excited to be developing a new business that gives back to our community.”

The catering menus feature a holiday dinner with Citrus and Herb Crusted Salmon and Classic Roast Turkey, along with side dishes. Among the offerings for hors d’oeuvres are gluten and dairy free options, such as southeast beef salad rolls that are tortilla wrapped, or vegan salad rolls in rice paper.

Price ranges are from $5 for an appetizer to $45 for a full formal meal. A minimum order of 15 servings is required. At this time, alcohol service is not offered. 

The food services team at Bissell Centre, in addition to preparing healthy snacks and meals for users of Bissell Centre’s programs, is using its skills to develop a viable and sustainable business model for this catering venture. All profits return to the organization to further the agency’s goals.

Sustainability and care of the environment is another component of Bissell Harvest’s mission. Ingredients are locally sourced as much as possible, with any food waste being composted.  

This is a further step towards reducing the organization’s carbon footprint and strengthening its financial position through lowering operating costs. In recent years, Bissell Centre has installed solar panels on the Bissell West building, as well as at the Bissell Thrift Shop on Alberta Avenue. 

Bissell Centre is no stranger to social enterprise. Its Thrift Shop functions as a social enterprise providing employment, low cost clothing, and household supplies to its customers, while returning any profits to the agency. It has been in business since 1959. In addition, Bissell Centre operates Moonlight Bay at Wabamun Lake as a retreat centre. 

Bissell Centre was founded in 1910 as a Methodist mission, and incorporated as a stand-alone charitable society in 1977. 

For more information about Bissell Harvest Catering, visit: bissellharvest.ca.

Gail Silvius is happily retired and living in McCauley.