The Second Annual Kid Food Nation Gala Brings Together Young Chefs From Across Canada

OTTAWA, Oct. 15, 2018 /CNW/ - Inspired by her dad's love of cooking and island heritage, nine-year-old Briana decided to submit her Jamaican Chicken Soup to the Kid Food Nation recipe contest.

Now she is one of 26 proud contest winners! Representing every province and territory in Canada, these young chefs will be flown to the second annual Kid Food Nation gala in Ottawa to showcase their recipes, meet famous Canadians, and celebrate their love of healthy eating.

Hosted by YTV's Carlos Bustamante and Spencer Litzinger, the Kid Food Nation gala will be held on Sunday, October 21 at the Fairmount Château Laurier in Ottawa with distinguished guests, John Oliver, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health, Dr. Theresa Tam, Canada's Chief Public Health Officer, local Members of Parliament, and others.

"Having kids engaged in healthy meal preparation can have a tremendous impact on their health and wellbeing, and forms positive, healthy habits for the future," said The Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Health. "Congratulations to the winners of this year's Kid Food Nation recipe challenge for finding creative and fun ways to make healthy eating a part of their everyday lives by coming up with healthy, delicious, and nutritious recipes."

The winning recipes will also be showcased in the Kid Food Nation cookbook, including Aloo Gobi with Poori, Garlic Moose Melt, Baked Arctic Char with Citrus Relish, Cauliflower Shepherd's Pie, and more.

Kid Food Nation is a cross-Canada movement that teaches kids cooking skills, gets them excited about healthy food, and gives them the tools to live a healthier and happier life.

Generously supported by PC Children's Charity and the Government of Canada, the Kid Food Nation eight-week program runs at Boys and Girls Clubs in communities from British Columbia to Newfoundland & Labrador. The curriculum has four main goals:

• Teach children aged 7-12 essential culinary skills
• Encourage healthy choices about the food they eat
• Empower parents and families to plan, prepare, and cook healthy meals and snacks
• Foster healthy habits for life

"Nutrition education and culinary skills are the two ingredients that make healthy eating habits," says Sarah Davis, Chair of PC Children's Charity and President of Loblaw. "Through PC Children's Charity and the Kid Food Nation program, we will equip an entire generation with the culinary skills they need to make wholesome and nutritious meals for themselves and their families."

"The kitchen is the heart and soul of our Boys and Girls Clubs," says Owen Charters, President & CEO, Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada. "We know that instilling healthy habits and a love of good food at a young age sets a path for future success. We are proud to work with our incredible partners to bring Kid Food Nation to more communities across the country and do our part to fight food insecurity."

Kid Food Nation also includes a free, public website (kidfoodnation.com) created by Corus Entertainment, which includes games, videos, tips about healthy eating, fun cooking facts, recipes, and more.

Generously funded by the Government of Canada, Kid Food Nation is created through the partnership of PC Children's Charity, Corus Entertainment, and Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada.

SOURCE Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada