Brown Bagging for Calgary's Kids

This week Team Ward 3 had the honour of volunteering at Brown Bagging for Calgary’s Kids (BB4CK), joining the incredible staff and volunteers who work every day to make sure Calgary students have the food they need to learn and thrive.

Across the city, BB4CK prepares and delivers nearly 8,000 lunches every school day. In community kitchens, volunteers assemble fresh sandwiches, fruits, vegetables, and healthy snacks that are sent directly to schools and summer programs. Simple, nutritious meals that make a meaningful difference in a child’s day.

Behind every lunch is a bigger story.

Food costs remains one of the highest contributors to inflation in Calgary, and food insecurity continues to rise. Over the past five years, BB4CK has seen the number of children needing food support grow by 80%. Today, more than 1 in 3 Alberta children live in food-insecure households. And this isn’t just about unemployment. 60% of households experiencing food insecurity include someone who is working. As the cost of living continues to outpace wages, it puts enormous pressure on families who are doing everything right and still struggling to make ends meet.

In addition to school lunches, BB4CK provides grocery gift cards to families so they can purchase culturally appropriate and preferred foods. That focus on food autonomy and dignity matters.

BB4CK is 100% community funded. Every sandwich made, every snack packed, and every grocery card provided is made possible by Calgarians stepping up to donate or volunteer their time.

Spending time in the kitchen this week was a powerful reminder that while food insecurity is growing, so too is the generosity of our community. When we come together, we can ensure kids across Calgary have the nourishment they need to learn, grow, and succeed.

If you’re looking for a meaningful way to give back, consider volunteering or donating. It truly takes a city.

Learn More About BB4CK