charity partner

The vision for CCFCC Bocuse d’Or Canada parallels that of Paul Bocuse. We strive to bring the very best Canadian chefs to the forefront of Canadian and international cuisine. We want Canadians to share in the pride and accomplishment that comes from competing on the international stage and to recognize that Canadian chefs are numbered among the best in the world.

It is a lofty ambition and sometimes, when setting sights so high, it is possible to lose perspective. That is why we have invited Brown Bagging for Calgary’s Kids to share in our endeavor. As chefs we naturally enjoy a special affinity with food, so providing financial assistance to an organization whose mandate is to satisfy the nutritional needs of children is particularly meaningful.: as such portion of the funds that we raise will go to benefit the efforts of this noteworthy charitable organization.

Brown Bagging for Calgary’s Kids

Brown Bagging for Calgary’s Kids (BB4CK) was established as a lunch program in 1990. Lunches were provided to homeless children and youth in Calgary who did not have access to food and were disinclined to visit centres that focused on adult homelessness.

In 2002 Brown Bagging for Calgary’s Kids became a registered charity. In 2005, following findings released by the Feeding Calgary’s Children Initiative – that almost 30,000 children and youth in Calgary go hungry while in school – the mandate changed to include all children and youth, whether on the streets or in school. BB4CK also began working on the second part of our mission: To act as a catalyst in the development of community based solutions to break down barriers caused by malnutrition. BB4CK began to seek capacity within communities and supported the creation of community programs. These programs are in churches, schools and homes and engage local volunteers to make lunches and take them to schools within their own community.

By the end of the 2009/2010 school year BB4CK was providing lunches to 70+ schools and supported 5 partner agencies. BB4CK has also been the catalyst for over 60 additional community based lunch programs.

Purpose

Research undeniably supports a link between nutrition and healthy growth and development in children and youth. Children who eat regular, healthy meals do better in school, are sick less often and form healthier relationships with their peers. At Brown Bagging for Calgary’s Kids, they want to provide youth not just with a meal, but also with essential nutrients to allow them to learn and be active. In doing so, they help to eliminate hunger in Calgary’s schools and provide a chance for at-risk youth to successfully complete their education. Healthy Kids. Healthy Minds.