Hot Meals Program

The Cause

The Hot Meals Program provides free, pre-packaged, nutritious meals to individuals experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity in the Bow Valley. The program supports individuals who do not have access to cooking facilities or food delivery services, as well as those with specific dietary needs, such as gluten-free or vegetarian options.

During the 2023/2024 shelter season, the program served an average of 5.9 guests per night over 112 nights, with 19 nights reaching or exceeding the shelter’s 8-bed capacity. This year, we are expanding the shelter to operate for 151 nights, increasing the number of meals required. The requested funds will help us continue to provide these meals and allow us to expand the program to serve guests during the spring and summer months, when the shelter is not operating, through our Outreach Program.

Meals are purchased from a local vendor, Mountain Fire Foods, at $12 per meal. These meals are stored and heated on-site at the Emergency Winter Shelter, ensuring guests have access to nutritious food throughout their stay.

Who Will it Benefit?

The Hot Meals Program will directly benefit individuals experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity within the Bow Valley. The primary beneficiaries are guests of the Emergency Winter Shelter, which operates from November 1, 2024, to April 1, 2025, providing a safe, warm place to sleep during cold winter months.

In the 2023/2024 season, we saw 40 unique individuals access the shelter across 112 nights, with an average of 5.9 guests per night and a maximum capacity of 8 beds. This year, we anticipate the same or higher numbers, as the shelter will open 40 days earlier, increasing the demand for hot meals.

Additionally, the program will extend into the spring and summer months through the Outreach Program, ensuring unhoused individuals have access to nutritious food year-round, even when the shelter is closed.

By providing meals, we aim to remove one significant worry from the lives of those facing housing and food insecurity, helping them focus on other aspects of rebuilding their lives, such as securing employment or stable housing.