Calgary families that rely on school-based lunch programs to provide healthy meals for children are often challenged during the summer months but a local community kitchen has created an initiative to bridge the gap.

The Community Kitchen Program of Calgary is working to reduce hunger in the city and one of its programs is specifically tailored to feed low-income kids during July and August.

The Tummy Tamers feeding program  delivers hot lunches to children, between the ages of 5 and 12, who are taking part in the city’s Park n’ Play program.

Volunteers with the program also visit a few other day camps to deliver afternoon snacks and they take the time to teach the children about nutrition and the value of a healthy lifestyle.

“We don't turn anybody away and we don’t never say to a child, sorry you're in the have group and you’re in the have not group, no, we just say we feed all of the children and that way kids don't feel embarrassed or, it keeps dignity,” said Marilyn Gunn, Community Kitchen CEO and Founder.

“It’s a really good feeling to be able to give the kids some food that, we don’t know which child has come to the park with an empty stomach so it’s nice to see the smiles, they’re happy,” said Lorrie Herrick, Calgary’s Cooking Manager.

Preparation starts early in the morning and the meals are distributed the same day.

“It’s a full meal deal and what it is, they get, today they’re getting potato salad, beef on a bun and then they’re going to get dill pickles, banana bread, an apple and Yop. And the vegetarian kids get an egg with cheese on a bun to make sure that they have the protein so it’s a full meal deal,” said Gunn. “I believe that no child, no child in our city, province or country should be without food.”

Officials with the program say all the food is donated and demand is high this year.

“This year with the downturn in the economy, it’s a little tough,” said Gunn. “It’s not only hitting the lower income people, it’s going full spectrum.”

“The week that we’re getting thin or we didn’t get something in we thought, we gotta make up a menu for that day and we just go into the warehouse and find out what we have and we just cook up a nutritious meal for the kids,” said Herrick.

In 2014, Tummy Tamers served over 5000 lunches and 7500 snacks to children in various parts of the city.

The Community Kitchen of Calgary relies on food and cash donations to continue operations and expand its services.

For more information or to make a donation, click HERE.