The Community Cookhouse

Neighbours helping neighbours, one meal at a time.

About The Community Cookhouse

The Oakridge Community Cookhouse is a volunteer-run program that provides nutritious, freezer-ready meals to help Oakridge neighbours durring recovery.  Think of us as that neighbour who just wanted to drop off a little something to help you get by.

Each member of your household will receive three dishes per week. Our volunteers aim to provide a good variety of recipes; however, if you select a vegetarian option, you may receive multiple portions of the same dish depending on what’s available.

We’re not able to accommodate special requests.

This program is intended for Oakridge residents who are:

  • Recovering from surgery
  • Homebound due to illness
  • Experiencing unplanned life events (as capacity allows)
At this time, the Cookhouse is available to Oakridge residents only.

How Meals Are Distributed
Our Cookhouse volunteers plan the week’s meals using what’s available in our kitchen and through donations. Once meals are prepared, we portion them out and distribute them to recipients by delivery or pickup.

Recipients aren’t able to choose specific meals. Each week, we distribute based on what’s available.

How to Request Meals
Fill out the Cookhouse Recipient Intake Form so we can coordinate your weekly meals and your delivery or pickup preference. We may check in weekly to confirm whether you’d like to continue.

We deliver on Fridays, starting at 2:00pm. To be included in a delivery for the week requests must be received by 12:00pm on Friday.

Each member of your household will receive three dishes. Our volunteers aim to provide a good variety of recipes; however, if you select a vegetarian option, you may receive two portions of the same dish depending on what’s available.

We’re not able to accommodate special requests.

Or Call 403-238-0007

Want To Help?

Volunteers are the heart of the Community Cookhouse — neighbours helping neighbours, one meal at a time.

Whether you’re chopping and prepping, helping with cooking, or portioning and packaging meals for the freezer, you’ll be part of a friendly team that makes a real difference for people going through a tough stretch.

We cook on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month, with two volunteer shifts: Prep + Cooking (9:30am–1:30pm) / Packaging + Finish Cooking (1:00pm–5:00pm).

No special experience is required — we’ll show you the flow and make sure you have a clear role.

If you’re looking for a practical, hands-on way to support Oakridge, we’d love to have you join us.

Volunteer Roles

Session Lead / Cook

You’re the point person for the shift and the lead cook. You’ll keep the kitchen moving, guide volunteers, and make sure we finish strong.

You’ll do things like:

  • Confirm the plan for the day (recipes, quantities, timing)
  • Coordinate the handoff between prep/cooking and packaging
  • Lead cooking (stovetop/ovens) and keep an eye on quality and timing
  • Answer questions and assign tasks so everyone feels useful
  • Help ensure a clean, safe, organized workspace

Great for: confident home cooks, people who like coordinating, returning volunteers.

 

Prep Helpers

You’ll help get everything ready for cooking: washing, chopping, measuring, and setting up stations.

You’ll do things like:

  • Wash and chop vegetables
  • Measure ingredients and open/organize supplies
  • Set up trays, pans, and work areas
  • Keep your station tidy as you gg

Great for: first-time volunteers, anyone who likes hands-on tasks.

Packaging Helpers

You’ll help portion meals, seal containers, and label everything so it’s easy and safe for recipients to reheat at home.

You’ll do things like:

  • Portion meals consistently (we’ll show you the target)
  • Seal containers and apply labels
  • Pack sides when included
  • Help stage items for cooling/freezing

Great for: detail-oriented folks, teams/friends volunteering together.

Runners

You’re the floater who keeps everything flowing. This role makes a huge difference.

You’ll do things like:

  • Dishes, sanitizing, and quick resets between tasks
  • Restock gloves/containers/utensils
  • Take out garbage/recycling as needed
  • Move trays/ingredients between stations
  • Jump in wherever the team needs an extra set of hands

Great for: people who like variety, staying active, and helping the whole team succeed.

What to Expect

  • Friendly, community-powered vibe
  • Clear instructions and a job for everyone
  • Come as you are — we’ll show you the flow

    What to Bring

    • Closed-toe shoes
    • Hair tied back (if applicable)
    • A water bottle (optional)

    How Meals Are Distributed
    Our Cookhouse volunteers plan the week’s meals using what’s available in our kitchen and through donations. Once meals are prepared, we portion them out and distribute them to recipients by delivery or pickup.

    Recipients aren’t able to choose specific meals. Each week, we distribute based on what’s available.

    How to Request Meals
    Fill out the Cookhouse Recipient Intake Form so we can coordinate your weekly meals and your delivery or pickup preference. We may check in weekly to confirm whether you’d like to continue.

    We deliver on Fridays, starting at 2:00pm. To be included in a delivery for the week requests must be received by 12:00pm on Friday.

    Each member of your household will receive three dishes. Our volunteers aim to provide a good variety of recipes; however, if you select a vegetarian option, you may receive two portions of the same dish depending on what’s available.

    We’re not able to accommodate special requests.

    Or Call 403-238-0007

    Ingredient and Allergen Information

    We want you to feel confident about what you’re eating. For each dish, we share a clear ingredient list and an allergen warning based on the recipe and the labels available to us at the time of preparation.

    Because ingredients and manufacturing practices can vary by brand and may change without notice, you are responsible for reviewing the ingredient and allergen information before consuming any meal. If you or someone in your household has a food allergy, intolerance, or medical dietary requirement, please take appropriate precautions.

    Our meals are prepared in a shared kitchen environment. While we follow safe food-handling practices, we cannot guarantee that any item is completely free from allergens due to the possibility of cross-contact.

    If you have questions about a specific dish, please reach out before eating.  We’re happy to share what we know so you can make the best decision for your household.

    Ingredient & Reheating Instructions

    Ingredient card for roast beef
    Ingredient card for Sweet and Sour Pork
    Ingredient card for Sheperds Pie
    Ingredient card for Meat Lasagna
    Ingredient Card for Vegetarian Sheperds Pie
    Ingredient card for Parmesean Pork Meatballs
    Ingredient card for Beef and Vegetable Soup
    Ingredient card for ROmaine Soup
    Ingredient Card for Butter Chicken
    Ingredient card for chicken lasagna
    Ingredient card for Mac And Cheese
    Ingredient card for Sloppy Joes
    Ingredient card for baked spaghetti
    Ingredient card for Sausage Stroganoff
    Ingredient card for Beef Stew

    Sides & Spreads

    Garlic Spread
    Ingredient card for Potatoes Romanov
    Ingredient card for roasted vegetables
    Ingredient card for mixed vegetables
    Ingredient card for mashed potatoes
    Garlic Pepper ingredients
    Garlic Spread
    Bacon Ingredient
    Garlic Spread
    Ingredient card for garlic spread

    Contact Us

    We’d love to hear from you. Whether you have a question about programs, events, rentals, or ways to get involved, click the button below to get in touch.

    For more information please contact:

    Darrell Ogden

    General Manager, Oakridge Community Centre

    403-238-0007