BGC Canada is celebrating the power of partnership and the difference made when young people have access to nutritious food, practical skills, and opportunities to thrive.
Across Canada, food insecurity affects children, youth, and families in communities of every size. At BGC Clubs, food is more than a meal or snack. Food is a foundation for learning, belonging, connection, and well-being. When young people are nourished, they are better able to focus, build relationships, participate fully, and discover what they are capable of.
That is why BGC Canada is deeply grateful to BMO Canada for their generous support of Kid Food Nation and Chef Nation, two national BGC Canada programs that help young people build food literacy through hands-on, culturally relevant cooking experiences. With BMO Canada’s support, these programs help children and youth learn practical kitchen skills, explore healthy food choices, try new ingredients, follow recipes, understand food safety, and build confidence that extends far beyond the Club kitchen.
Kid Food Nation, designed for children ages 8 to 12, and Chef Nation, designed for youth ages 13 and older, bring food education to life. Participants learn to prepare meals and snacks, practice food safety, explore where food comes from, and celebrate food as part of family, culture, and community.
BMO Canada’s partnership is helping make this possible in BGC Clubs across the country. Through the 2025-26 school year, Kid Food Nation/Chef Nation programs, 59 BGC Clubs received grants, reaching 2,015 participants across 10 provinces through a collective impact approach and a strong network of partners. These numbers represent more than program delivery: they represent young people gaining skills for life, families seeing confidence grow at home, and Clubs strengthening their ability to respond to the realities of food insecurity in their communities.
The impact extends well beyond the Club kitchen. Participants are recreating recipes at home, introducing new foods to their families, and contributing to family mealtimes. Across the country, Club staff have also reported stronger friendships, increased confidence, and meaningful opportunities for young people to connect with their cultures through food.
One Club participant described how the program helped connect learning, family, and confidence:
Stories like these reflect the broader impact of BGC Clubs across Canada. Each year, BGC Clubs serve 166,000 children and youth and provide 8.1 million healthy meals and snacks.
BGC Canada’s Learning & Impact data shows that because of Clubs 81% of children and youth surveyed report improved food literacy, while 92% say they are more excited to try new things, 92% report more confidence in their abilities, and 91% say they are making better choices for themselves.
Thanks to BMO Canada, BGC Canada can continue to pair food access with meaningful learning — helping young people understand nutrition, practice independence, connect with their cultures, and carry new skills into their homes and futures.
“Food is about so much more than what’s on the plate. Through Kid Food Nation and Chef Nation, BGC Canada is helping young people build practical skills, confidence and connections that can stay with them for life. At BMO, we’re proud to support programs that help young people reach their potential and build stronger communities across Canada.” — Patrick Bartlett, Regional President, BMO Private Wealth, GTA.
“BGC Canada extends a heartfelt thank you to BMO Canada for helping young people across Canada learn, grow, and thrive through Kid Food Nation and Chef Nation. Together, we are helping build food skills for life and creating more opportunities for young people to discover their potential.” – Carrie Wagner, Interim President & CEO, BGC Canada
