Who We Are?
Mission
Our mission is to Eradicate Food-Insecurity for All School-Aged Children in Ottawa by increasing access to fresh, nutritious and culturally appropriate meals across the city.
Vision
To build a strong, resilient and sustainable food ecosystem that ensures equitable access and improves the health outcomes for everyone in Ottawa.
Nutrition Blocs - Board of Directors
David Millen
Chair
David has dedicated 50 years to advocating for young people, holding senior positions in child welfare, including serving as Associate Executive Director at the Ottawa-Carleton Children’s Aid Society. He has coordinated major national and provincial conferences on child welfare and bullying. He was instrumental in advancing Canada’s role in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. A co-founder of Child & Youth Friendly Ottawa (Youth Ottawa) David originated the Spirit of the Capital Awards and coordinated the annual National Child Day Celebration at the Senate of Canada. He has led strategic planning and community development efforts in Haiti, Kenya, Ghana, and with indigenous communities in Northern Quebec. He authored Class Action: Bullying, Prevention and Safer Schools and delivered presentations across Canada and the United States. David serves on several boards, including the Ontario Arts Council, and has received the Queen’s Silver Jubilee Medal for Service to Children and Youth.
Mark O’Neill
Vice Chair
Mark O’Neill is a seasoned operations and business development leader with a strong connection to the Ottawa community. As Director of Commercial Operations at Nordion, Mark spent over 16 years helping guide complex operational environments, drawing on more than two decades of experience in operations management. His background reflects a steady commitment to efficiency, collaboration, and organizational growth.
Having studied at both the University of Ottawa and Carleton University, Mark is deeply familiar with the local landscape and the importance of community-based solutions. His strengths in business development and strategic operations support Nutrition Blocs’ efforts to expand its reach and impact. As Vice Chair, Mark is motivated by the idea that well-run, sustainable organizations play a critical role in addressing food insecurity and strengthening communities.
Anu Potdar
Secretary
Anu is a vibrant and empathetic leader who embodies the values of compassion and service in every aspect of her life. Holding dual Master’s degrees in human resources and Indian Literature, she brings a deep understanding of both the human psyche and cultural nuances. She believes in the transformative power of caring and service, recognizing that these values are essential for creating a more compassionate and equitable world. For Anu, there is no greater calling than using her skills and knowledge to support the vulnerable and marginalized.
At the core of Anu’s passion lies the belief that access to good food and nutrition is a fundamental human right. She firmly believes that serving nutritious meals to people in need is not just a charitable act but the epitome of goodness and empathy. Whether through her work as a Recruitment Specialist with the Empowering Newcomer Women program at the WorldSkills Employment Centre or as a co-host of a Bollywood Music Program on CKCU 93.1 FM, Anu is dedicated to making a positive impact on others’ lives.
Driven by her unwavering commitment to service and her genuine concern for the well-being of those around her, Anu strives to create a world where everyone has access to the nourishment they need to thrive.
Olu Ibilola
Treasurer
Olu Ibilola brings a thoughtful, strategic and community-minded approach to every challenge he encounters in his professional career. As a Senior Commercial Account Manager, Olu supports business growth through tailored commercial financing and advisory solutions, helping organizations build strong and sustainable financial foundations. With five years of experience at RBC, he has developed a deep understanding of financial stewardship and long-term planning.
A graduate of Algonquin College and the University of Wales, where he earned his MBA, Olu combines formal education with practical experience to guide decision-making. He is passionate about using his financial expertise to support organizations that create meaningful social impact. For Olu, ensuring strong governance and financial sustainability is essential to advancing Nutrition Blocs’ mission of equitable access to nutritious food for all.
In Memory - Michael Hughes
Michael Hughes was a generous leader, connector, and champion of people. A longtime member of the Nutrition Blocs Board until his passing in the fall of 2025, Michael played a pivotal role in the organization’s growth. He helped shape its direction and was instrumental in forging many of the relationships that Nutrition Blocs continues to enjoy and benefit from today.
After a 23-year corporate career, Michael founded Michael J. Hughes Consulting & Training Inc., where he became widely recognized as an international expert on networking. Through his work, he coached business, corporate, and sales professionals to build stronger relationships and achieve better results, always with authenticity and purpose.
Michael was deeply committed to his community. He was a Past Chair of the Ottawa Board of Trade and served on the boards of several local charities, including the Canadian Cancer Society, the Plowing for Cure Golf Tournament, and the OutCare Foundation.
Michael believed in the power of connection, and he lived that belief every day. His impact on Nutrition Blocs and on countless individuals and organizations will be felt for years to come.
Nutrition Blocs - Staff
Abhijit Potdar
Founder and Executive Director
Abhijit Potdar is the visionary behind Nutrition Blocs, serving as its Founder and Executive Director. With over two decades of experience in the community food sector, Abhi has dedicated his career to addressing food insecurity and advocating for equitable access to nutritious meals.
When he immigrated to Canada in 2017, Abhi observed a gap in services: the disparity between the urgent need for wholesome, culturally relevant meals and the limited resources available to provide them at an affordable cost to those in need. Abhi, who had previously run a school food program in Boston (USA), was shocked to discover that Canada did not have a formal hot meal program as part of its education system.
Driven by his firm commitment to social justice and equity, Abhi is a tireless relationship builder and communicator, advocating for those who may not have a voice at the table. His abilities in resource mapping, while intentional in preventing the duplication of services, have significantly expanded opportunities within the sector. Ensuring maximum impact through collaboration is central to his relentless efforts to address food insecurity.
With a bold vision for a society where every school-aged child has dignified access to nourishing meals, Abhi’s leadership is propelling Nutrition Blocs to the forefront of the fight against hunger amongst children and families. He believes that by creating sustainable meal programs, we not only nourish children’s bodies but also their minds. Through his unwavering dedication and innovative approach, Abhi is transforming the landscape of food insecurity, one meal and one child at a time.
You can reach Abhi at abhijit@nutritionblocs.org
Volunteers
Nutrition Blocs is supported by a team of dedicated volunteers who deeply care about their community and are concerned about the food inequities and insecurities faced by so many of our neighbours and friends. If you like to join our team of volunteers, please contact us
Contact Us
Our Programs
Contact Us
- +1 (819) 576-5852
- media@nutritionblocs.org
- Charitable Registration # 736669516RR0001
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