Wellness Hub

September 23, 2025September 24, 2025

From Uncertainty to Confidence: Manpreet’s Wellness Hub Journey at the Cambridge Food Bank

When Manpreet first came to the Cambridge Food Bank, she carried more than just the responsibility of caring for her son and newborn baby. She was also carrying uncertainty. She wanted her family to eat better but felt pressed for time, lacked confidence in the kitchen, and was struggling with pain and stress after giving birth.

That’s when she met Chai, who introduced her to the Wellness Hub programs. Chai encouraged her to join the nutrition and pain management sessions, as well as the Rise and Shine cooking program, small steps that could lead to big changes.

At first, Manpreet wasn’t sure she could do it. But week by week, the programs gave her the tools and knowledge she had been missing. She learned simple, nutritious recipes, such as smoothies, pancakes, and energy balls, and even learned how to use a dehydrator. Now, she prepares healthy snacks such as banana chips, fruit rolls, and vegetable crisps for her children. She has added beans and colourful vegetables to her family’s meals, which are not only nourishing but also budget-friendly, thanks to the Mobile Food Market.

Her journey didn’t stop with food. Through yoga and Pilates, Manpreet discovered ways to manage pain, reduce stress, and regain her energy. Breathing techniques, gentle stretches, and mindful breaks taught her how to care for herself while caring for her children.

The transformation has been remarkable. What began with hesitation has turned into confidence. Manpreet now sees herself as capable and resourceful, ensuring her family eats healthier and lives better. She credits Chai and the Wellness Hub for showing her a path forward.

“The Cambridge Food Bank is doing great,” she said, smiling. “I’m so grateful. These programs have helped me take care of myself and my family in ways I didn’t know I could.”

July 29, 2025July 29, 2025

Showing Up for Herself: A Caregiver’s Wellness Journey

At the start of 2025, she made a New Year’s resolution, not just for fitness, but for herself. As a full-time caregiver for her father who has Alzheimer’s, her time, energy, and finances were stretched thin. With only part-time work and a full-time care schedule, she couldn’t afford yoga or nutrition classes and didn’t have the capacity to invest in herself. But she knew one thing, she didn’t want to turn 50 feeling frumpy, worn down, and disconnected from her own well-being.

Despite trying to stay active in the past, nothing had stuck. She’d often fall into the pattern of taking care of everyone else first and putting herself last. She described herself as “a bit lazy,” but in truth, she was burned out. Still, she had sheer determination and a desire to learn.

On a whim, she Googled “free cooking lessons,” not expecting to find anything. But she stumbled across the Cambridge Food Bank’s wellness programs. Embarrassed at first, she kept it to herself. But after joining the cooking classes, everything started to shift. She’s now an advocate for the food bank and has a mission to reduce the stigma around it.

Being vegan, the Meatless Mondays program aligned perfectly with her values. She discovered new ingredients like soy nuggets, an affordable protein she now loves, and started sprouting seeds on her counter. She realized that nutritious food didn’t have to be expensive or complicated. She began cooking more often, experimenting with new flours and techniques that expanded her options beyond just lentils and beans.

Through cooking, she found yoga, and that’s where things really changed. In-person sessions gave her the space to focus on herself away from home (and her barking dog!). It helped her reset each week, improve her flexibility (she can now touch her toes!), and take away small, practical tips like breathing exercises and digestion support.

“I used to feel stuck,” she said. “But now I feel like I have real tools, a community, and a reason to show up for myself.”

For someone who never thought she’d find anything free, or worth her time, she’s found more than she imagined: confidence, consistency, and a new approach to caring for herself as fiercely as she cares for others.

April 29, 2025May 13, 2025

More Than a Food Bank: How Wellness Programs Are Feeding the Whole Person

When people picture a food bank, they often think of shelves of canned goods and non-perishable items. But at the Cambridge Food Bank, we are proud to be More Than a Food Bank.

We offer the dignity of choice through our shopping model, providing fresh, nutritious, and culturally diverse food options. In addition, through our wellness programs we offer people hope and the opportunity to heal, grow, and belong.

In 2024, over 850 adults and seniors participated in our free adult and older adults wellness programs, via virtual and in-person sessions in yoga, pilates, cooking classes, nutrition workshops, and caregiver support groups. Thanks to our donors, partners, grants, and volunteers, these programs are free and open to all.

As Chantelle, our Intake Coordinator, shares:

“I love seeing how people feel like they belong here. I’ll see someone come in shy and unsure and within the next few months of becoming a participant of the Cambridge Food Bank they have joined yoga or cooking, and they blossom into a member of the community, they become a part of something, an advocate for building health and belonging through food, education and advocacy.”

From Emergency Help to Lasting Health

Many people first come to the Cambridge Food Bank seeking emergency food assistance. But what they often discover is a whole community of support ready to walk alongside them.

Wellness Hub Participants are not only accessing nutritious food but are also improving their health:

After attending our Cooking & Nutrition Program, 60% of participants now cook at home four or more times per week (up from 40%)
Daily fruit and vegetable consumption rose dramatically, with 68% now eating 3–4 servings a day
84% of participants now find it easy to read nutrition labels, empowering them to make informed food choices
After participating in our Movement Programs, balance improved by 36%, stair climbing ability improved by 30%, and daily walking increased by 33
Stress levels dropped by nearly 40%, and 96% of participants reported feeling a stronger sense of belonging

These small, meaningful changes add up to lasting transformation.

Wellness is for Everyone

Whether it’s learning to manage blood sugar through healthier meals, finding peace through mindful movement, or connecting with others after feeling isolated, our wellness programs create pathways to better living.

They matter to the grandmother who can now lift her arms over her head again.
They matter to the parent who learned how to prepare healthy meals for their family.
They matter to every individual who realized that health, dignity, and connection are within reach.

As Chai Maybhate, our Health Promoter, says:

“Together, we grow stronger. You don’t have to do this alone—we’re here to support, uplift, and walk alongside you every step of the way. I will meet you where you are. One step at a time!!”

Let’s Keep Growing

Together, we are building health, hope, and belonging through every meal shared, every yoga pose learned, and every recipe tried.

Are you—or someone you know—looking to feel better, eat well, and connect with others?
Click here to check out our free Adult and Older Adult Wellness Programs.