Cans for Kids was initiated in April 2020 at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic to assist Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) students by collecting non-perishable foods and donating them to our peers. In October 2021, we became an Ardrey Kell High School club and provide volunteer opportunities to our students. As a non-profit organization since May 2022, Cans for Kids continues to serve our community and has expanded its mission to help raise awareness for youth mental health.

Cans for Kids aims to aid people, especially children, who are less fortunate by helping them get daily meals. In addition to collecting food and drink donations, we provide volunteer opportunities to CMS students and other willing participants during our food drives, fundraisers, and other service events. Through our value of students supporting their peers, we hope to raise awareness of the issues in our local community, encourage other students to step forward, and improve youth mental health in our reach.

Cans for Kids received the Youth Partner Award from Second Harvest Food Bank in 2023.

Cans for Kids was recently recognized alongside companies including Bank of America, Food Lion Feeds, and Harris Teeter as Second Harvest Food Bank's first ever Youth Partner Award recipient for contributions to feeding people in the Metrolina area in need.

Richard Lin and Jerry Lin received the Community Service Award from Second Harvest Food Bank in 2022.

The Second Harvest Food Bank presented Richard and Jerry Lin with the Community Service Award in recognition of leading Cans for Kids to large-scale contributions.