In a bid to build team spirit and support struggling restaurants, the province’s construction industry will launch its fourth annual lunch-box challenge next month.

The annual event, which sees companies treat their work crews to a free lunch from a local restaurant, has expanded this year to offer $37,500 in grants to encourage companies to get involved.

“Our industry was declared essential throughout the pandemic, and while it’s been a tough year, we’re proud of how well we’ve done and keen to give the workforce a bit of recognition,” said Chris Atchison, president of the B.C. Construction Association.

“We’re grateful that we were able to keep working.

“The restaurant industry hasn’t been so fortunate, so it’s good to do a little something to help the local restaurants who are also working hard in every ­community.”

While some new spots have opened up over the last year, the province’s ­restaurant industry estimates that by the end of the pandemic, it will lose as many as 4,500 locations — almost a third of an estimated 15,000 pre-pandemic.

Last year, more than 200 construction firms took on the lunch-box challenge. The association expects that number to grow significantly this year, with “starter grants” of $250 or $500 — depending on the size of the work crew – being offered as an incentive for ­companies to get involved.

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