{"id":92663,"date":"2026-11-06T17:47:31","date_gmt":"2026-11-06T17:47:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bgccan.com\/?p=92663"},"modified":"2026-11-06T21:33:00","modified_gmt":"2026-11-06T21:33:00","slug":"bgc-canada-celebrates-bmo-canadas-support-for-food-literacy-and-youth-opportunity","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bgccan.com\/en\/bgc-canada-celebrates-bmo-canadas-support-for-food-literacy-and-youth-opportunity\/","title":{"rendered":"BGC Canada celebrates BMO Canada\u2019s support for food literacy and youth opportunity"},"content":{"rendered":"
[vc_row][vc_column offset=”vc_col-xl-inherit vc_col-lg-2 vc_col-md-inherit vc_col-sm-inherit”][\/vc_column][vc_column offset=”vc_col-xl-inherit vc_col-lg-8 vc_col-md-inherit vc_col-sm-inherit”]

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.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>[\/vc_column][vc_column offset=”vc_col-xl-inherit vc_col-lg-2 vc_col-md-inherit vc_col-sm-inherit”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row gap=”0px” equal_height=”yes”][vc_column width=”2\/12″][\/vc_column][vc_column css_animation=”none” offset=”vc_col-xl-inherit vc_col-lg-5 vc_col-md-inherit vc_col-sm-inherit”][vc_single_image image=”92688″ img_size=”Full”][\/vc_column][vc_column offset=”vc_col-xl-inherit vc_col-lg-3 vc_col-md-inherit vc_col-sm-inherit”]

Across <\/span>Canada<\/span>, food insecurity affect<\/span>s<\/span> children, youth, and families in communities of every size. At BGC Clubs, food is more than a meal or snack. <\/span>Food<\/span> is a foundation for learning, belonging, connection, and well-being. When young people are nourished, they are better able to focus, build relationships, <\/span>p<\/span>articipate<\/span> fully, and discover what they are capable of.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>[\/vc_column][vc_column width=”2\/12″][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column offset=”vc_col-xl-inherit vc_col-lg-2 vc_col-md-inherit vc_col-sm-inherit”][\/vc_column][vc_column offset=”vc_col-xl-inherit vc_col-lg-8 vc_col-md-inherit vc_col-sm-inherit”]

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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>[\/vc_column][vc_column offset=”vc_col-xl-inherit vc_col-lg-2 vc_col-md-inherit vc_col-sm-inherit”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row gap=”0px” equal_height=”yes”][vc_column offset=”vc_col-xl-inherit vc_col-lg-2 vc_col-md-inherit vc_col-sm-inherit”][\/vc_column][vc_column offset=”vc_col-xl-inherit vc_col-lg-3 vc_col-md-inherit vc_col-sm-inherit”]

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.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>[\/vc_column][vc_column css_animation=”none” offset=”vc_col-xl-inherit vc_col-lg-5 vc_col-md-inherit vc_col-sm-inherit”][vc_single_image image=”92687″ img_size=”full”][\/vc_column][vc_column offset=”vc_col-xl-inherit vc_col-lg-2 vc_col-md-inherit vc_col-sm-inherit”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column offset=”vc_col-xl-inherit vc_col-lg-2 vc_col-md-inherit vc_col-sm-inherit”][\/vc_column][vc_column offset=”vc_col-xl-inherit vc_col-lg-8 vc_col-md-inherit vc_col-sm-inherit”]

BMO Canada\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>[\/vc_column][vc_column offset=”vc_col-xl-inherit vc_col-lg-2 vc_col-md-inherit vc_col-sm-inherit”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column offset=”vc_col-xl-inherit vc_col-lg-2 vc_col-md-inherit vc_col-sm-inherit”][\/vc_column][vc_column offset=”vc_col-xl-inherit vc_col-lg-8 vc_col-md-inherit vc_col-sm-inherit”][vc_single_image image=”92670″ img_size=”1040×694″ alignment=”center” css_animation=”none”][\/vc_column][vc_column offset=”vc_col-xl-inherit vc_col-lg-2 vc_col-md-inherit vc_col-sm-inherit”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column offset=”vc_col-xl-inherit vc_col-lg-2 vc_col-md-inherit vc_col-sm-inherit”][\/vc_column][vc_column offset=”vc_col-xl-inherit vc_col-lg-8 vc_col-md-inherit vc_col-sm-inherit”]

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.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

One Club participant described how the program helped connect learning, family, and confidence:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\t \t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\tI think I look forward to cooking the most in program. The staff always help me try something new\u2026 I can get the recipe and ask my Nana to make it at home for me, or I can help her since I know the recipe.<\/q>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n <\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t \t\t<\/div>\n\t \t<\/div>\n\t \n<\/div>\n\t \t\t<\/div>\n\t \t<\/div>\n\t [\/vc_column][vc_column offset=”vc_col-xl-inherit vc_col-lg-2 vc_col-md-inherit vc_col-sm-inherit”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row gap=”0px” equal_height=”yes”][vc_column offset=”vc_col-xl-inherit vc_col-lg-2 vc_col-md-inherit vc_col-sm-inherit”][\/vc_column][vc_column offset=”vc_col-xl-inherit vc_col-lg-4 vc_col-md-inherit vc_col-sm-inherit”][vc_single_image image=”92689″ img_size=”full”][\/vc_column][vc_column offset=”vc_col-xl-inherit vc_col-lg-4 vc_col-md-inherit vc_col-sm-inherit”]

Stories like these reflect the broader impact of BGC Clubs across <\/span>Canada<\/span>. Each year, BGC Clubs serve <\/span><\/span>166,000 children and youth<\/span><\/span><\/strong> and provide <\/span><\/span>8.1 million healthy meals and snacks<\/span><\/span><\/strong>. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

BGC <\/span>Canada<\/span>\u2019s Learning & Impact data<\/span><\/span><\/a> shows<\/span> that <\/span><\/span>because <\/span>of <\/span>Club<\/span>s<\/span><\/span> 81% of children and youth surveyed report improved food literacy<\/span><\/span><\/strong>,<\/strong> while <\/span><\/span>92% say they are more excited to try new things<\/span><\/span>, <\/span><\/span>92% report more confidence in their abilities<\/span><\/span><\/strong>,<\/strong> and <\/span><\/span>91% say they are making better <\/span>choices for themselves<\/span><\/span>.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>[\/vc_column][vc_column offset=”vc_col-xl-inherit vc_col-lg-2 vc_col-md-inherit vc_col-sm-inherit”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column offset=”vc_col-xl-inherit vc_col-lg-2 vc_col-md-inherit vc_col-sm-inherit”][\/vc_column][vc_column offset=”vc_col-xl-inherit vc_col-lg-8 vc_col-md-inherit vc_col-sm-inherit”]

Thanks to <\/span>BMO Canada<\/span>, BGC <\/span>Canada<\/span> can continue to pair food access with meaningful learning<\/span> \u2014<\/span> helping young people understand nutrition, practice independence, connect with their cultures, and carry new skills into their homes and futures.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>[\/vc_column][vc_column offset=”vc_col-xl-inherit vc_col-lg-2 vc_col-md-inherit vc_col-sm-inherit”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column offset=”vc_col-xl-inherit vc_col-lg-2 vc_col-md-inherit vc_col-sm-inherit”][\/vc_column][vc_column offset=”vc_col-xl-inherit vc_col-lg-8 vc_col-md-inherit vc_col-sm-inherit”]

\u201cFood is about so much more than what\u2019s 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\u2019re proud to support programs that help young people reach their potential and build stronger communities across Canada.\u201d — Patrick Bartlett, Regional President, BMO Private Wealth, GTA.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>[\/vc_column][vc_column offset=”vc_col-xl-inherit vc_col-lg-2 vc_col-md-inherit vc_col-sm-inherit”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column offset=”vc_col-xl-inherit vc_col-lg-2 vc_col-md-inherit vc_col-sm-inherit”][\/vc_column][vc_column offset=”vc_col-xl-inherit vc_col-lg-8 vc_col-md-inherit vc_col-sm-inherit”]

\u201c<\/span>BGC <\/span>Canada<\/span> extends a heartfelt thank you to BMO <\/span>C<\/span>anada <\/span>for helping young people across <\/span>Canada<\/span> 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.<\/span>” – Carrie Wagner, Interim President & CEO, BGC Canada\u00a0<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>[\/vc_column][vc_column offset=”vc_col-xl-inherit vc_col-lg-2 vc_col-md-inherit vc_col-sm-inherit”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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