For people struggling with complex mental health and substance use issues, food is more than nutrition—it also provides comfort and a sense of belonging. Sharing a meal and conversation with our team might be someone’s only human interaction that day, making food help a vital part of our work.
25,000+
Meals served each month
$250,000
Value of food rescued annually
4
Commercial kitchens
Who We Serve
All Cool Aid emergency shelter guests get three meals a day, plus an evening snack. Seniors and residents at some supportive housing sites enjoy one or more nutritious meals daily. All other tenants receive food help as part of our partnership with the Mustard Seed.
Our Programs
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Buy Local
Local food is more nutritious, better for the environment, builds local food security, and keeps the dollars in the community. Through our partnership with the South Island Farm Hub’s Farm Bucks program, we are able to purchase directly from local farmers at a discounted price.
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Food Rescue
We partner with the Mustard Seed to rescue and use food that might otherwise end up in the landfill. In 2022, we rescued more than 80,000 pounds of food for use in our food services program.
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Our Commercial Kitchens
Cool Aid currently runs four commercial kitchens at Rock Bay Landing, Mount Edwards Court, The Lily, and Crosstown. These kitchens provide meal services to other Cool Aid buildings and programs, as well as feeding their own residents.