This May, Brown Bagging It Month returns to Calgary, bringing attention to food insecurity and its impact on kids and families across the city. As Brown Bagging for Calgary’s Kids (BB4CK) marks 35 years of serving the community, the campaign runs from May 5 to May 31, highlighting how care helps power nutritious lunches for thousands of kids.

“Care shows up in so many ways across our community,” says Bethany Ross, Executive Director of BB4CK. “When people come together, whether it’s volunteering, donating, or simply talking to their neighbours about it, it becomes something powerful: food that helps kids thrive”.

Across Calgary, close to 8,000 kids receive support from BB4CK through the School Lunch Program each school day. In 2024, food insecurity affected nearly 2 in 5 children in Alberta—an increase of more than 80% over the past five years, including a 25% rise from the previous year.

Throughout the month, BB4CK will bring this conversation into the community through storytelling, public engagement, and a pop-up display at The CORE Shopping Centre from May 11 to May 31, inviting Calgarians to learn about food insecurity and how care can be turned into lunches.

A long-time supporter of Brown Bagging for Calgary’s Kids and Brown Bagging It Month, ARC Resources has continued to grow their impact by increasing the match this year to $100,000, helping power twice as many lunches for kids.

“By matching donations this month, we hope to double the impact of a campaign that will support access to food for so many Calgary families,” said Sara Johnson, Manager, Mineral Land and Business Development and ARC’s BB4CK Champion. “ARC has a strong culture of caring and we’re proud to team up with BB4CK again this year for a cause that fuels kids to reach their full potential.”

Brown Bagging for Calgary’s Kids (BB4CK) invites Calgarians to take part in Brown Bagging It Month and be part of a community that is powered by care. To learn more, visit bb4ck.org.

​