Who We Are?
Mission
To design sustainable, accessible and affordable food programs that deliver fresh, nutritious and culturally-appropriate meals to the most vulnerable populations facing food insecurity, especially children & youth and seniors.
Vision
To build a strong, resilient and sustainable food ecosystem that ensures equitable access and improves the health outcomes for everyone in Ottawa.
What Drives Us?
Affordability
Accessibility
Cultural Diversity
Sustainability
Our Building Blocs
Empathy
Caring
Equity
Dignity
Board of Directors
Abhijit Potdar
Founder and Director
Abhijit Potdar is the visionary force behind Nutrition Blocs, serving as its Founder and Chief Executive Officer. 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 tenacious relationship-builder and communicator, tirelessly advocating for those who may not have a voice at the table. His abilities in resource mapping while being intentional in preventing the duplication of services has significantly expanded opportunities within the sector. Ensuring maximum impact through collaboration is at the core of his relentless efforts in addressing food insecurity.
With a bold vision for a society where every individual has dignified access to nourishing meals, Abhi’s leadership has propelled Nutrition Blocs to the forefront of the fight against hunger. He believes that by creating meal programs for children in schools, we not only nourish their bodies but also their minds to flourish. Through his unwavering dedication and visionary approach, Abhi is transforming the landscape of food insecurity, one meal at a time.
You can reach Abhi at abhijit@nutritionblocs.org
Leo Doyle
Co-Chair
Leo Blaise Doyle is a retired federal public service executive and graduate of St Francis Xavier University and Carleton University. His public service career spanned more than 30 years and included over 5 years working on food security issues in isolated northern and Indigenous communities. That experience, and deep engagement in Ottawa youth basketball, inform his understanding of urban food security issues and the vulnerability of marginalized communities. His not-for-profit volunteerism is focused on aligning people, resources and experience to service his community at a local level.
Steve Georgopoulos
Co-Chair
Steve Georgopoulos is a retired award-winning career hotelier and community builder, with extensive experience in the Hospitality, Education, and Not-for-Profit Sectors. He is an ambassador for organizations he believes in and a lifelong learner. Passionate about the potential of Intergenerational Synergies/Connections, Steve Co-authored a book on this subject called Next Station, Life. Steve acquired his formal education at Concordia University in Montreal, and his “PhD of Life” in the 1970s while working at his parent’s grocery store in Montreal’s Mile End.
Steve continues to mentor and coach both youth and adults to live their best lives and is dedicating the fourth chapter of his life to volunteerism and research focused on Intergenerational Synergies/Connections and Reconciliation.
In 2024, Steve was honored with the Ottawa Catholic School Board Chair’s Outstanding Volunteer Award for his work as a mentor with the Social Entrepreneurs Program.
Anupama Potdar
Co- Founder and Director
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 bring 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 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 the lives of others.
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.
You can reach Anu at anu@nutritionblocs.org
Michael J. Hughes
Director
After a 23-year corporate career, Michael Hughes founded Michael J. Hughes Consulting & Training Inc. Recognized as an international subject matter expert on networking. He now coaches business, corporate and sales professionals on how to achieve better results by improving networking skills.
Michael is a Past Chair of the Ottawa Board of Trade and had served on the Boards of several local charities, including the Canadian Cancer Society, Plowing for Cure Golf Tournament and the OutCare Foundation.
Our Team
Karen Secord
Consultant - Communications and Development
Karen is a long-time social activist, changemaker, community developer and leader. For much of her life she has been dedicated to asking bold questions, employing her natural curiosity to inspire and innovate, and testing solutions geared towards better social outcomes. From childcare in rural communities to the role sport plays in mental health, the “social prescribing” of food and creation of youth entrepreneurial programming to encourage leadership in marginalized communities; Karen has always believed in the power of community to tackle complex social problems.
For over a decade, while forging a new path for the Parkdale Food Centre (PFC) in Ottawa, Karen had the great privilege to blend vision with courage, and instinct with compassion, creating strategic alliances and unlocking cross-sectoral solutions. It was important work that helped to change the way people thought, behaved and participated; together we learned about inequity and explored the deep seated impacts of poverty.
You can reach Karen at karen@nutritionblocs.org
Marco Pagani
Strategic Advisor
Marco Pagani brings a wealth of experience and a distinguished career to our board, following a long and illustrious tenure as a senior executive in Ottawa’s high-tech sector. Since becoming President & CEO of the Ottawa Community Foundation in January 2014, Marco has made a significant impact in both the corporate and non-profit sectors.
Marco’s career began in 1985 with Nortel Networks (formerly Bell-Northern Research), where he rose through the ranks over nearly two decades to become President of several Nortel Business Units. In these roles, he managed over 2,000 employees and generated more than $1 billion in revenue. Marco has also led various successful start-ups as Chair and CEO and has been an influential leader on the boards of several local charitable organizations.
One of his most notable achievements was his four-year tenure as President of Villa Marconi, where he orchestrated a remarkable economic turnaround and championed a “Residents First” philosophy. His extensive volunteer and leadership work includes collaborations with the Canadian Cancer Society, Knights of Columbus, St. Anthony’s Church, the Terry Fox Run, School Box, and Foundations for Farming. Marco has also been a dedicated weekly volunteer with both the Ottawa Food Bank and the Ottawa Hospital’s Cancer Centre.
Recognized as a passionate and strategic leader, Marco is known for his ability to guide companies and organizations through challenging turnarounds, driving significant economic gains for stakeholders while upholding strong ethical standards and corporate governance. During his tenure at the Ottawa Community Foundation, he was a key advocate for Social Enterprises, recognizing their critical role in addressing social issues such as food insecurity, unaffordable housing, youth unemployment, and poverty. Under his leadership, the Foundation grew from $90 million to over $260 million, solidifying its position as a powerhouse in the philanthropic sector.
David Millen
Strategic Advisor
David has dedicated 50 years to advocating for young people, holding senior positions in child welfare, including 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.
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
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