Our Vision
Our world without hunger.
Our Mission
We improve the food security and well-being of our community by preparing and delivering nutritious, quality, and affordable meals.
Our Culture Statement
Collaboration is our strength; we come together with our unique skills and diverse perspectives to create collective impact.
Our Values
Client centred care – We prioritize the well-being of our clients above all else.
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion – We are for everyone and celebrate diversity, being an inclusive workplace and creating a sense of belonging.
Integrity – We uphold ourselves and each other to be honest, transparent, and accountable.
Kindness – We unconditionally care for each other with compassion and understanding.
Quality – We uphold the highest standards in everything we do.
Respect – We treat all people with dignity and fairness, and value diverse perspectives.
Teamwork – Coming together as one to get the job done.
What we believe:
Feeding our city, strengthening our community.
Since 1965, Calgary Meals on Wheels has specialized in preparing and delivering nutritious meals, a critical service in Calgary’s charitable food-security landscape. We believe that reliable nutrition is a crucial link to overall individual and societal health and wellness. With the rise of inflation and less accessibility to affordable, nutrient rich foods, Calgary is facing an increase in food insecurity. This complex problem impacts the social well-being, academic and economic potential, and overall health of our community. We are proud to be the largest Meals on Wheels in Canada with the largest non-profit commercial kitchen in Calgary. Working alongside our in-house Registered Dietitian and Red Seal Chefs, we carefully craft affordable meals that are nutritious and accommodating to restricted diets. These fully prepared meals are offered at a flexible sliding scale rate, meaning that even the those on the lowest of incomes are well fed. Through an engaged network of employees, volunteers, and donors we execute our mission of improving the food security and well-being of our community by preparing and delivering nutritious, quality, and affordable meals. Through this network we deliver approximately 5,500 nutritious and locally prepared meals each day. We make a tangible difference in the lives of vulnerable community members through our three program pillars: Home Delivery, Schools , and Community programs.
Our Impact
We prepare and deliver nutritious, quality, and affordable meals.
Providing more than a million meals to those in need, our programs ensure that CMOW not only addresses food insecurity but also enriches the lives of our clients by promoting dignity, health, and community resilience.
Reduced worries about household income by alleviating financial stress by providing affordable meals, allowing them to focus on other essential needs and priorities
Healthier communities by providing access to balanced, quality meals that contributes to improved overall health, reducing the risk of chronic illnesses and supporting better physical and mental well-being.
Social connection and belonging – meal deliveries often serve as a critical point of social interaction for clients, fostering a sense of connection and combatting feelings of loneliness or isolation.
Improved transition from hospital to home by providing reliable meal services for individuals to recover from the comfort of their home, supporting a smoother recovery process and reducing the likelihood of hospital readmissions.
Empowering regional agencies - Through partnerships, CMOW enables other organizations to support their clients with nutritious meals, amplifying the impact across the community and strengthening the local support network.
2024-2026 Strategic Plan
Financial Statements
2025 Annual Report
Our facility was created with environmental efficiencies in mind.
Energy Efficiency: Our rooftop solar panels and the heat from freezer condensers fuel our boilers.
Water Conservation: A rainwater collection tank supplies our landscaping irrigation.
Waste Reduction: We partner with a grease collection company to process and compost waste.
Sustainable Sourcing: We prioritize local ingredients, including AB Beef, Centennial Meats, and seasonal produce.
Vendor Alignment: We ask potential contractors and vendors about their ESG policies to ensure alignment with our values.
Single-Use Plastic Reduction: This year, we revamped our menu and packaging to comply with the federal plastics ban and reduce single-use plastics overall.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI): We’ve undertaken intentional steps in our DEI journey, including four all-day, all-staff training sessions and the initiation of a Reconciliation and Decolonization Strategy. These efforts not only foster belonging among staff and volunteers but also help us better serve our communities.
More than a Meal Partnerships
Calgary Meals on Wheels is proud to work with a variety of community organizations, to assist us in providing meaningful connections to our clients.
Calgary Police Service
As one of the partner agencies involved with the Integrated School Support Project, we provide approximately 250 breakfasts and more than 425 lunches each week to two elementary schools.
Seniors Secret Service
All year round we have the great joy of delivering birthday gifts to our regular senior clients. Each Holiday season we are able to offer hundreds of our senior clients festive holiday gifts to spread cheer and warmth, all thanks to this wonderful partnership.
Calgary Fire Department
Each year the Calgary Fire Department offers smoke detector inspections and replacements for our clients, helping to keep them safe in their homes.
Florist Supply
Each week beautiful bouquets of older, unsaleable flowers are donated for us to share with our regular home delivery clients.
Quilting Guilds
Various quilting guids around the city regularly provide us with beautiful handmade placemats that we gladly distribute to our clients to help brighten their homes.
Letters Against Isolation
This partnership provides us with handwritten letters that we can share with seniors and homebound clients to offer comfort and community connection.
Schools
The youth of Calgary help us spread community connection by way of thousands of colourful handmade greeting cards made by elementary students all school-year long.
Referral Partnerships
-
Launched in partnership with Alberta Health Services in 2019, the Going Home Program provides short-term meal support to older adults returning home from hospital stays who have limited or no natural supports. This program is designed to support recovery, reduce stress during transition, and promote safe nutrition access during a critical period following discharge.
Meals are delivered directly to clients’ homes, allowing individuals to focus on healing while maintaining independence in a familiar environment. Each year, the program supports more than 700 older adults and plays a preventative role in reducing hospital readmissions by addressing immediate nutritional needs. The Going Home Program is accessed through healthcare referral and is widely used by discharge planners and clinical teams across Calgary.
-
Introduced in 2024, the In Place Program is delivered in partnership with the In Place Social Prescribing Network to provide short-term meal support for older adults living independently in the community. Clients are referred by healthcare professionals and supported by social workers within the Network.
The program addresses immediate nutritional needs while clients and social workers work together to identify and establish longer-term, sustainable food security solutions. By stabilizing access to nutritious meals during periods of transition or vulnerability, the In Place Program supports health, independence, and continuity of care within the community.
-
The Nourish and Connect Program, launched in 2025, is a referral-based partnership with Calgary Seniors Resource Society. Through this program, isolated older adults are connected to short-term meal support while additional social and community-based supports are put in place.
Referrals are made through Calgary Seniors’ SeniorConnect team, allowing clients to receive nutritious meals during periods of increased vulnerability. The program is designed to reduce immediate food insecurity while supporting broader goals of connection, stability, and long-term well-being.
-
Bridges to Stability is a partnership with Calgary Housing that began in late 2025 to support residents experiencing urgent food insecurity. Through this program, eligible residents receive one month of meal support, with additional longer-term subsidized meals available for those who qualify.
In addition to home-delivered meals, the program includes community meals paired with financial literacy workshops, delivered in partnership with Momentum. These gatherings are designed to reduce isolation, strengthen community connection, and support residents in building greater long-term stability. Bridges to Stability reflects a collaborative, place-based approach to food security that integrates nutrition, education, and community well-being.
A history of helping.
Calgary in 1964 was a growing and relatively affluent city. The civic census taken in January of 1965 indicated a population of 311,116, an increase of 16,192 people over the 1964 census conducted in April.
In Calgary the population of elderly was increasing. The Hospital Chaplaincy Committee of the Calgary Presbytery of the United Church expressed concerns that elderly people living alone were being discharged from hospitals with no support system during their recovery. In January 1964 they requested that the United Church Women study the matter and report back. A pilot project for meal service was recommended. This project, called Calgary Church Women’s Community Care (Meals on Wheels), was registered as a society under the terms of the Societies’ Act of the Province of Alberta and commenced operation on November 15th, 1965 with 8 clients. Meals were prepared in the kitchen of the Calgary North Hill Community YMCA.
At that time $3,459.36 had been raised through May Day teas and individual contributions.
The pilot project continued until February 1967 when the need for the service was confirmed. In 1967 the organization became a United Way Fund agency. In May 1967 Winnifred Hardy was appointed Executive Director and a search began for larger premises.
On November 15, 2025 Calgary Meals on Wheels celebrated its 60th anniversary of service.
Onwards and upwards.
-
Humble Beginnings
In January 1964, the Hospital Chaplaincy Committee of the Calgary Presbytery of the United Church voiced concerns about elderly patients being discharged from hospitals without adequate support during recovery. The United Church Women were tasked with studying the issue and recommending a solution. Their efforts led to the creation of a pilot meal service program, which was officially named "Calgary Church Women's Community Care” – the precursor to Calgary Meals on Wheels.
A Timeline of Growth and Impact
1965 – The Calgary Church Women’s Community Care was incorporated under the Societies Act of Alberta on November 30, 1965, and began operations out of donated space at The North Hill Family YMCA. The program served its first 8 clients on November 15, 1965. As demand grew, the need for larger facilities became apparent. Hillhurst United Church offered a kitchen for the program's exclusive use, becoming its headquarters for the next seven years.
1972 – On May 26, 1972, and without service disruption, moved to a leased facility at 828 - 4 Avenue SW, provided by The City of Calgary for 10 years. This relocation allowed for expanded kitchen capacity and service expansion.
1976 - Received charitable status and renamed Calgary Meals on Wheels. By this time, daily service had expanded to more than 425 clients per day.
1982-83 – The City of Calgary offered a larger building (a former LRT garage) that required significant renovations. By 1983, the organization relocated to MacLeod Trail, tripling its space. Over the next 30 years, this facility supported the preparation of more than 6 million meals.
1996 – Introduced frozen meal options to better serve a growing and diverse client base.
2000 - Launched the Hot Soup Program, providing free soup lunches to students across Calgary schools to support child nutrition.
2013 - Built a custom, 24,000 sq. ft. facility with a state-of-the-art commercial kitchen in the Great Plains Industrial Park, designed to handle high-volume meal production with efficiency and precision. The expanded space allowed Calgary Meals on Wheels to extend support to surrounding communities through a new regional program.
2014 - Partnered with the Calgary Police Foundation’s Integrated School Support Project, providing meals for vulnerable students. Also began supporting “fun lunches” organized by Parent Associations at schools.
2016 – Partnered with Calgary School Districts to deliver breakfast and lunch programs to high-needs schools, ensuring children received consistent, nutritious meals.
2020 – Adapted operations during the global pandemic, significantly increasing meal production to meet an urgent surge in demand.
2022 - Reached a historic milestone by serving more than 1 million meals in a single year.
2024 – For the third consecutive year, surpassed 1 million meals and produced a record-breaking 1.4 million meals through three key program pillars: Home Delivery, Schools, and Community. Supported approximately 9,500 clients and provided approximately 5,700 meals daily across the city.
2025 – Celebrates 60 years of service with the expansion of freezer and cooler capacity, enabling the preparation and storage of an additional 180,000 meals annually to meet growing demand.
A legacy built on compassion, community, and commitment to nourishing lives.
-
In October of 1967 the operation moved to Hillhurst United Church. The kitchen was 24 feet by 14 feet and out of this small area the organization grew to a client base of 125 meals per day.
In March of 1969 the first van was acquired, donated by the South West Lions’ Club.
-
In 1970 the first steps were undertaken to find larger quarters, and in 1972 the operation moved to 828 – 4 Avenue SW, a building leased from The City of Calgary.
In 1974 a second van was donated by the Nickle Family Foundation and equipped by the Calgary Foundation. By 1974 the Anglican Church Women, the Catholic Women’s League, the Baptist Women’s Council of Calgary, the Women’s Council of Calgary and the Women’s Groups of the Presbyterian Church had joined the organization.
In 1975 application was made to change the name of the organization to Calgary Meals on Wheels.
-
By 1981 Calgary Meals on Wheels was again outgrowing its physical facility and a search for larger premises was initiated. Over half a million dollars was raised, and the move to a new facility was underway. The new facility had at one time been a warehouse and most recently used by Pitts Engineering Ltd. during the LRT construction. This new space was three times as large as the facility on 4th Avenue and boasted better access for suppliers and volunteers off MacLeod Trail. The former garage building was transformed into a fully equipped modern industrial kitchen and office facility. The move took place in November 1983 with no interruption of service. Friday meals went out from 4th Avenue and the following Monday the meals went out from MacLeod Trail.
Calgary Meals on Wheels operated out of the MacLeod Trail location for 30 years, producing and delivering more than 6 million meals!
-
In summer of 2013, we celebrated another milestone with the opening of a brand new, custom-built production facility located in the Great Plains Industrial Park. The new building, equipped with a 15,000 sq.ft production area can better serve Calgarians and keep up with the need for the services for decades to come.
In the community…
Since 1965, Calgary Meals on Wheels has been a trusted community resource, delivering more than just meals — we deliver care and connection.
Rooted in our three program pillars — Home Delivery, Community, and Schools — we nourish both body and spirit, fostering connection and strengthening the fabric of our city.
Feeding our City, Strengthening our Community.
Celebrate With Us
Throughout the year, we bring the city together with delicious, feel-good events like YYC Hot Chocolate Fest, YYC Pizza Fest, and YYC Ice Cream Fest. These fun-filled community festivals raise crucial funds for our programs while showcasing the best of Calgary’s culinary scene. Every bite helps someone in need — it’s flavor with impact.
Whether you’re looking to volunteer, donate, or just enjoy a hot slice of purpose, there's always a place for you in the CMOW community.
Learn more about upcoming events here.
Board of Directors & Executive Leadership
Calgary Meals on Wheels is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors that provides strategic oversight, fiduciary responsibility,
and policy direction in support of the organization’s mission.
-
Mohamed Teja – Board Chair
Mohamed is a purpose-driven professional with extensive experience in community engagement, governance, and strategic collaboration. Passionate about building resilient and inclusive communities, he focuses on systems that empower underprivileged individuals with hope, dignity, and strength. Mohamed has a strong track record of fostering meaningful partnerships and networks, driving sustainable development and social equity through innovative, people-centered initiatives. He is a dedicated supporter of Calgary Meals on Wheels.
-
John Pieri – Vice Chair
John brings a deep commitment to the organization’s mission and extensive corporate experience to the Board. Professionally, he leads the Culture, Communications & Marketing team at ATB Financial, where he is accountable for brand strategy, integrated marketing, and advancing the firm’s Inclusion and Reconciliation teams. His two decades of experience in strategic planning, leadership, and operations—gained through key roles at ATB, Ceridian Canada, and MTS Communications—ensures a focus on sustainable growth and fiscal stewardship. Beyond his corporate dedication, John is actively engaged in the community, including his previous role as Board Chair of Pacekids, and currently serves as the outgoing Board Chair for the Calgary Marketing Association. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Honors) and an MBA from the University of Manitoba.
-
Lesley Bolster - Treasurer
Lesley brings over 25 years of senior financial leadership experience to Calgary Meals on Wheels, with a strong background in financial stewardship, internal controls, risk management and developing supportive dynamic teams. As Treasurer and Audit Committee Chair, she oversees financial reporting, external audit coordination, management of internal controls, treasury and risk, ensuring transparency and fiscal health. Lesley’s expertise spans both public and private entities, and she has served on numerous boards as an experienced, external auditor. She has also volunteered for various nonprofit organizations in the treasury role ensuring the board fulfils its financial duties and the organization remains financially healthy and transparent. A Chartered Accountant, she is committed to guiding the organization with sound financial governance.
-
Ilir Kuqi – Governance Committee Chair
Ilir is the Fleet Management Director at Enterprise Fleet Management, overseeing operations across Central Canada. With over 25 years experience in strategic leadership and client experience, he brings valuable insight to the Board. Ilir is an active supporter of Calgary Meals on Wheels and as the new chair of the Governance Committee, he is passionate about supporting CMOW’s mission to serve the community with integrity and excellence. He previously served as President of the Albanian Canadian Association of Calgary and actively participates in the Great Cycle Challenge Canada to raise funds for childhood cancer research. His dedication to service and strategic mindset make him a strong advocate for the organization’s mission and long-term success.
-
Claudia Felzien - Secretary
Claudia serves as the Secretary of Calgary Meals on Wheels. Dedicated to community wellness, Claudia brings a lifelong passion for giving back through volunteering in a variety of non-profit organizations over the past 20 years. With over 18 years of professional experience in operations, project management, business development, process improvement, marketing and communication, Claudia is committed to making an impact by sharing her experience and passion to Calgary Meals on Wheels.
-
Duane Blahun - Director
With over thirty years experience in financial services, Duane is a seasoned executive with expertise in strategy development, business transformation, organizational effectiveness, culture change, and stakeholder engagement. As president and owner of an independent strategy consulting firm, he assists organizations in assessing and enhancing their operations and strategies to ensure optimal alignment between strategy, structure, culture, and processes. Alongside his commitment to professional excellence, Duane is passionate about community service; in addition to being a board director for Calgary Meals on Wheels, he also delivers meals weekly, and actively participates in numerous Rotary Club projects and community initiatives with his spouse. Duane has held numerous prior board positions within the Canadian credit union system and Alberta cooperative sector, encompassing banking, payments, technology, and utilities industries.
-
Heather Truber - Director
Heather is an authentic compassionate health care professional with many years of experience in food, environmental and linen services management. She is currently Senior Advisor in Nutrition, Food, Linen and Environmental Services with Alberta Health Services having retired in 2022 from a role as Executive Director, Provincial Operational Support. Heather provided leadership to a varied team who supported site operations at all Alberta Health Services facilities in the areas of menu management; staff education; workplace health and safety; procurement; process improvement; waste management and policy and resource development. She has previously held positions in linen and environmental services; provincial food safety and supply services as well as patient food services with operational responsibilities for facilities across Alberta and in British Columbia. Heather has been a proud board member of Calgary Meals on Wheels for over ten years and is currently on the Governance Committee. She brings her extensive food service experience and belief in the work of Calgary Meals on Wheels to support the organization as they strive to meet the needs of Calgarians. She is committed to the health care food service profession through her involvement with the Canadian Society of Nutrition Management. She is a member of the Accreditation portfolio as well as the Continuing Education Committee.
-
Kathleen Fraser - Director
Kathleen Fraser is the Executive Director of Wellness & Resiliency at the Calgary Police Service, where she leads initiatives that support psychological well‑being, occupational health and safety, and organizational resilience in a complex public safety environment. With graduate-level education in both law and psychology, she brings over 25 years of leadership experience across public safety, healthcare, and community-serving organizations.
Kathleen oversees multidisciplinary teams that help create healthy, safe, and supportive workplaces. Her work includes guiding culture change, strengthening governance and risk practices, and helping organizations adapt to evolving workforce and community needs. She has extensive experience in audit implementation, policy development, and working collaboratively with oversight bodies.
Throughout her career, Kathleen has contributed to community life through roles with the Wings of Hope Breast Cancer Foundation, Girl Guides Australia, and as Chair and Secretary on two school councils. She is motivated to join the Meals on Wheels Board by her lifelong commitment to advancing equity, dignity, and support for people during vulnerable moments in their lives.
-
Christie Phelan - Director
Christie is a strategic leader currently serving as Vice President, People, Culture, Brand & Communications at ATB Financial. With a career spanning executive leadership in banking and energy, Christie specializes in organizational design, talent strategy, and performance enablement. She holds a Master’s in Educational Psychology from SFU and a BA from the University of Calgary. As a Director on the Board of Calgary Meals on Wheels, Christie is dedicated to applying her expertise in collaborative leadership, people and culture, as well as strategic planning to support the organization’s vital community work.
-
Art Agolli - Director
Mr. Agolli is a serial founder, principal investor, executive, director and strategic advisor including Koch Industries (M&A executive), Dsrupt Energy, Founder and Chairman, Bankers Petroleum (Co-Founder and VP), Equity Health Services, Founder and CEO, Westgate Energy, Director and Powerhouse Advisors, Founder and Chairman.
Mr. Agolli also supports philanthropic and public policy initiatives in Canada, US and internationally. He serves in the Energy Committee of the American Chamber of Commerce in Canada and is a member of the Energy Corridors Task Force, an initiative of governments of Alberta, Saskatchewan and Ontario. He also serves as Board Member of the C3 Health Summit (Davos of Healthcare) based in New York. Art is a board member of Canadian Cancer Theranostic Foundation and American Precision Oncology Foundations, organisations co-founded with his wife Dr. Alda Aleksi, a prominent oncologist and theranostic expert.
-
Greg Feniak - Director
Greg is a visionary leader in the financial and payments industry, with over 20 years of experience driving brand growth, change and market expansion for leading organizations. Greg’s deep knowledge in marketing, product management, communications, and strategy development help bridge the payments and credit union world, making him a dynamic and innovative leader in the industry.
Prior to Collabria, Greg worked in a variety of senior leadership roles in the credit union and payments sectors focussing on marketing, product management & development, communications and strategy development. His leadership and experience has supported the evolution of payment services within the credit union system and the delivery of new solutions and programs for credit unions and financial services organizations across Canada.. His leadership and experience have supported the evolution of payment services within the credit union system and the delivery of new solutions for credit unions and financial organizations across Canada.
Executive leadership works in partnership with the Board of Directors.
-
Esther brings deep expertise in building resilient organizations and strengthening communities. Having led in complex and evolving environments, she possesses a nuanced understanding of the challenges facing vulnerable populations and the systemic shifts required to address them. A strategic, hands-on leader, Esther is motivated by creating sustainable impact and advancing meaningful social change.
Leadership Team
Calgary Meals on Wheels is supported by a skilled leadership team responsible for operations, programs, resource development, finance, and facilities and logistics. The team brings experience in nonprofit leadership, food services, and community-based care, and works collaboratively to support staff, volunteers, and the people we serve.
Our Approach to Food & Nutrition
Our menus are developed and overseen by an onsite Registered Dietitian and culinary professionals, including an Executive Chef, Dietary Technologist, and Red Seal–certified chefs. This integrated approach ensures meals are nutritionally balanced, high quality, and prepared with care and consistency.
The Calgary Meals on Wheels Team (Feb. 2026)
Interested in joining the team? Check out available opportunities here.