Burnaby Meals on Wheels started in February 1968, when the United Way of the Lower Mainland called for a meeting of community organizations, church groups, and anyone who was interested, to discuss the need for a hot meal service for those residents of Burnaby who were unable to meet their own nutritional needs. A standing committee of the United Way was formed known as the Burnaby Meals on Wheels Committee. This committee began a hot lunchtime meal service commencing on May 6, 1968 for South-East Burnaby.

In April 26th, 1993, The Burnaby Meals on Wheels Committee evolved into a separate non-profit society. While continuing to deliver hot western meals, the Home Delivery Meal Program has expanded to include Chinese, Asian, Vegetarian, and frozen meals.

In partnership with Burnaby Community Services and MOSAIC, Burnaby Meals on Wheels opened the Brentwood Community Resource Centre on May 2nd, 2014. Located in the heart of Burnaby, the Centre provides support and resources to meet the diverse needs of the community with programs for children & families, seniors, youth and newcomers.

With funding from the Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program Burnaby Meals on Wheels started the Let’s Do Lunch program. This new program promoted healthy eating, with friendly volunteers visiting seniors in their homes to share lunch, form friendships and provide information on community support and social events. This program was put on an indefinite hold in 2020 due to the pandemic.

Over the last year, Burnaby Meals on Wheels has delivered more than 20 000 meals to over 200 participants who are unable to access warm meals at home. We couldn’t do this without the help of our committed volunteer drivers who have dedicated more than 2000 hours of their time. This allows us to deliver meals all over Burnaby every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

With the funding from the Community Gaming Grant, we offer distinctive services offered within the Meals on Wheels program. Warm meal delivery with our Home Meal Delivery program, subsidized frozen meals for those who are unable to afford our regularly delivered meals, and grocery hamper delivery at no cost from our Burnaby Food Hub.

Burnaby Meals on Wheels is grateful for the support of the City of Burnaby who provides permissive tax exemptions and lease grants for our charitable society.