About Us
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Mission
Beyond Meals provides meaningful pre-employment opportunities to individuals living with mental illness and psychosocial difficulties, helping them build skills and confidence while they prepare nutritious frozen meals for food-insecure and at-risk community members.
Vision
We aspire to a healthier, more resilient, and inclusive community where people are supported in their mental health and can contribute to the well-being of others through food, connection, and meaningful work.
Purpose
We exist to turn mental health support into meaningful contribution, using food and purposeful work to strengthen and nourish our community.
Values
Food Justice and Food Security
We address inequities in local and national food systems through programming and advocacy. We believe that everyone deserves access to nutritious, affordable food.
Dignity
We recognize the inherent worth of every individual and treat each person with respect, compassion, and understanding. We do not define people by their challenges.
Community
We believe in the strength that comes from working together and fostering meaningful connections built on mutual support, respect, and shared purpose. We build trust and practice accountability through our actions, our partnerships, and the quality of our programs.
Empowerment and Pride
We create opportunities for people to build confidence, skills, and a sense of pride in their contributions while taking meaningful steps toward greater personal autonomy, including through meaningful employment. We believe in people’s capacity to grow, succeed, and exceed expectations.
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
We create inclusive, safer spaces that reflect the evolving needs of our community members. We value accessibility and are committed to offering services in both French and English, including to members of Official Language Minority Communities (OLMCs).
Goals
As an organization, Beyond Meals strives to:
- Support adults living with mental illness in developing their social and work skills through meaningful work activities in an adapted professional kitchen environment, while providing educational and mental health support.
- Contribute to local food security efforts by producing and distributing affordable, nutritious frozen meals, with the goal of fostering healthier and more resilient communities.
- Advance poverty reduction by assisting adults living with mental illness in obtaining and maintaining meaningful employment.
- Ensure the long-term viability of the organization through responsible stewardship and securing sustainable funding and resources.
- Reduce stigma around mental health in the workplace through visibility, outreach, and strategic partnerships.
Nourishing our community for over 30 years
Beyond Meals, formerly known as L’Équipe Entreprise, is a charitable organization that was officially established in 1996 in Dorval, after several years operating as a pilot project under Friends for Mental Health, an organization supporting the loved ones of adults living with mental illness. In 1992, its Social Employment Program was founded to provide social employment opportunities while preparing mailings and baking cookies for meetings. By 1996, the program had grown significantly, with a waiting list, dedicated staff, and enough contracts to merit becoming its own independent organization.
So, in 1996, L’Équipe Entreprise was born. Its name, chosen by the program participants themselves, reflected the spirit of the organization: combining meaningful social connection with business activities in order to break isolation and develop work skills. Over time, the nature of the business evolved toward the kitchen, where participants could build practical experience in a structured and supportive environment. Catering services were introduced, followed by the preparation of frozen meals. In 2017, we partnered with Volunteer West Island to offer meals to adults living in situations of reduced autonomy, helping us expand both our services and our impact in the community – a partnership that continues today.
As the organization continued to grow, so did our commitment to local food security. Today, our frozen meal beneficiaries include aging populations as well as individuals experiencing physical limitations, disabilities, and poverty across the West Island of Montreal. They are also sold to the general public. In 2026, we made the important decision to change our name to Beyond Meals, recognizing that our work extends far beyond the meals themselves. Alongside food security, we remain deeply committed to supporting participants in developing confidence, strengthening job skills, building community, and breaking isolation. While our name has evolved, the spirit of the organization remains the same.
Meet the team behind Beyond Meals
Behind every meal, every participant success story, and every community partnership is a dedicated team committed to creating a more inclusive and food-secure community. Our permanent staff bring together expertise in mental health, socio-professional integration, food services, administration, and community support to ensure participants receive compassionate, individualized guidance in a safe and welcoming environment.
Together, we work to create meaningful opportunities for growth, connection, and empowerment, both inside and beyond the kitchen.
Want to join our team?
Kitchen
Participant support
Administration
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Meet our Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors is made up of dedicated community members who bring a wide range of professional experience, perspectives, and expertise to Beyond Meals. United by a shared commitment to mental health, food security, and social inclusion, our board helps guide the organization’s mission, strategic direction, and long-term sustainability. Their leadership and support play an important role in helping us build a stronger, more connected community.
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Our Reports
We believe transparency and accountability are essential to building trust with our community, partners, and supporters. Our annual and financial reports provide an overview of our programs, impact, activities, and stewardship of funds, reflecting our commitment to responsible and community-driven work.