About Meals on Wheels for Northern Illinois
About Meals on Wheels for Northern Illinois
Our Vision
To live in an environment where seniors and persons with disabilities are valued and are an active part of our community.
Our Mission
Providing meals and resources to older adults and persons with disabilities to assist them in leading active and healthy lives.
Addressing the Growing Need for Senior Nutrition
The need for these services is greater than ever. More than 450,000 seniors in Illinois face food insecurity, making reliable access to nutritious meals a necessity.
*2023 Subject Tables from American Community Survey Data
Our History
Formerly known as the Community Nutrition Network & Senior Services Association and the Meals on Wheels Foundation of Northern Illinois, we officially united under one name in March 2025 to better serve older adults and individuals with disabilities. We are now Meals on Wheels for Northern Illinois.
1970s
The Community Nutrition Network & Senior Services Association (CNNSSA) originated from a meal service program operated by the Community Economic & Development Association (CEDA).
Late 1990s
Federal funding for senior services began to diminish, prompting CNNSSA to seek alternative support structures.
2000
CNNSSA became a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization, ensuring its ability to continue operations and expand services.
2001
The Meals on Wheels Foundation of Northern Illinois (MOWFNI) was created as the fundraising, community outreach, and public awareness arm of CNNSSA.
2005
CNNSSA was awarded contracts to expand services to seniors in Grundy and Kendall Counties, alongside suburban Cook County. CNNSSA grew into one of the largest senior meal providers in the nation.
2020
CNNSSA began managing the Will County Meals on Wheels program on May 1, 2020, just as COVID-19 was emerging, ensuring critical food services continued.
Present Day
CNNSSA operates 22 Group-Dining sites and 19 meal distribution hubs supporting its Home-Delivered Meal program across Cook, Grundy, Kendall, and Will counties.
A weather preparedness initiative ensures that each recipient of home-delivered meals receives at least three shelf-stable meals to prepare for inclement weather.
A Commitment to No Senior Left Behind
Meals on Wheels for Northern Illinois remains committed to ensuring that no senior in its service area goes hungry or feels forgotten. As the senior population continues to grow, Meals on Wheels for Northern Illinois will continue its mission of nourishing lives, strengthening communities, and advocating for the well-being of older adults.
Board of Directors
Brian Gilbert, CPA
Michael P. Seng
Cynthia Carr
Hannah Gould
Nykole Hanna
Erin Kotowski
Caroline Kwiatkowski
William Marshall
George Shea
Kara Sugarman
Passionate about our community? Experienced in leadership? We want you at the table. MOWFNI is accepting applications for our Board of Directors. Let's work together to innovate older adult care in Illinois. Email us at donations@mowfni.org to learn more.
Our Staff
Andrea Proulx Buinicki
Chief Executive Officer
Katherine Maitha
Controller
Jennifer Owen
Associate Director of Operations
Nathan Biggs
Director of Development
and Communications
Andréa Strange
Development Associate
Jennifer Charapata
Volunteer Manager
Diannaha Thompson
Outreach Coordinator
