The Helping Hands Society of Cochrane and Area have relaunched their meal teams, and they're currently looking for volunteers.

The Meal Teams Program initially started back in 2016, and as Helping Hands Executive Director, Chairra Nicolle explains the aim has always been to provide community members with the gift of a homemade, nutritious meal when they're feeling the pinch.

"Whether it's clients of the FRN, FCSS, our clients with helping hands, Pregnancy Care Center, someone who just needs a meal in an emergency," explains Nicolle. "So, if they're on the list for a hamper, or just had surgery -- whatever it might be; those meals go to people that need them."

Volunteers with the program come together to prepare, create and package meals like lasagna, shepherd's pie, casseroles, chilis and soups.

"Our Meal Team Program is a group that comes together and cooks meals in a commercial kitchen," explains Nicolle. "So we're using the St. Andrew's Church kitchen, which is approved by AHS."

Nicolle says that they did have to pause the program and shift gears due to the pandemic.

"The Crossing at Ghost River had been donating those meals but now that they're up and running, they are not able to supply us with as many meals," explains Nicolle. "So now we've got our meal teams up and running and we can have cohorts in St. Andrew's church kitchen to prepare these meals."

Nicolle says that the program is ideal for groups of up to six people and in the past have included church groups, small businesses, families, sports teams, book clubs, and wine groups.

The time commitment is typically three to four hours. The teams are responsible for providing the groceries with occasional assistance from bulk items at the Helping Hands Free Food Shed.

If you'd like to volunteer with the Helping Hands Meal Teams you can register here.