Brown Bagging for Calgary's Kids

Every day, the BB4CK community works to ensure that every student in Calgary has access to a healthy lunch at school. Right now, we are aware of over 4,000 kids who go to school without a healthy lunch each day. BB4CK provides a lunch to every kid who needs one, Kindergarten through grade 12, and currently in over 215 Calgary schools.

Each child’s story and reason for needing lunches is unique and distinct – a child whose parent works two jobs and isn’t able to get to a grocery store; a teen who is sleeping on friend’s couches and has no stable home; a child who has no food at home and steals from other kid’s backpacks to fill their empty stomach. The recent economic downturn in Calgary has had a significant impact on families, compounding the many other stresses and challenges that they face in raising happy, healthy kids. We anticipate that the need for lunches will continue to grow this year, both as the economy recovers and due to decreased availability of free breakfast programs in Calgary schools following the recent closure of a large, local program.

Fortunately, with a nearly 30-year track record and incredible community support, the BB4CK community is in an excellent position to ensure that these kids receive lunch to give them energy for the day. With over 600 volunteers engaged each week, and available kitchens spread throughout the city, the BB4CK community has the logistical and supplier support to ensure every kid in Calgary has access to lunch at school. All of the organization’s funding comes from donations, with no government contracts or funding agreements in place.

Kids who receive lunch are able to focus and learn in class, and able to participate in physical activities. They are aware of their surroundings, and able to make friends and participate in their communities. When kids aren’t hungry, they can build self-confidence and grow in all sorts of healthy ways.