Over $3 million has been donated to back Kid Food Nation, a cooking program by Boys and Girls Club Canada (BGC) that instills healthy eating habits using culturally relevant food resources in an engaging manner. This initiative is set to benefit more than 2,200 children and youth, laying a crucial foundation for healthier lifestyles. Kid Food Nation goes beyond just teaching about food; it educates youngsters on food’s cultural significance, its production, and access. The donation comes through the offices of goeasy Ltd and the Walmart Foundation.

This commitment aims to tackle the growing challenge of food insecurity among Canadian households. Leveraging their longstanding partnership spanning over two decades, goeasy’s ‘Feed their Future’ program will ensure the provision of 350,000 meals and snacks to children attending BGC Clubs across the nation.

For over 120 years, BGC Canada has been a beacon of hope for countless Canadian children and teenagers. As the largest charitable and community services organization catering to youth in Canada, BGC Canada diligently addresses food insecurity, a pressing issue exacerbated by rising child poverty rates. Every day, BGC Clubs not only offer nutritious meals and snacks but also empower kids with cooking classes, equipping them with essential lifelong skills. Additionally, initiatives like Project Backpack extend support to the wider community by providing families with food-filled backpacks, bridging critical gaps.

To effectively sustain its vital food programs, BGC Canada requires a minimum annual budget of $15 million. While the BGC Food Fund has garnered support from key partners like goeasy Ltd. and the Walmart Foundation, additional partnerships are crucial as food insecurity continues to escalate in Canada.

Owen Charters, President and CEO of BGC Canada, expressed gratitude for the significant contributions. He emphasized the importance of developing culturally relevant meal programs that resonate with the diverse demographics of BGC Clubs, ensuring that over 150,000 children and youth can benefit. With 69% of Clubs located in predominantly BIPOC neighborhoods, where food insecurity is historically more pronounced, the need for such support is particularly urgent.

For over a century, BGC Canada (formerly Boys & Girls Clubs of Canada) has been a cornerstone of opportunity for millions of Canadian youngsters. Operating across 635 locations nationwide, our Clubs provide a myriad of programs and services that empower youth from all walks of life to achieve positive outcomes in various aspects of their lives.

goeasy Ltd., headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario, is a Canadian company offering non-prime leasing and lending services under its easyhome, easyfinancial, and LendCare brands. With a workforce of over 2,400 employees, the company has served and impacted over 1.3 million Canadians, originating loans worth over $12.8 billion throughout its history.