In 1981, restaurant critic Gael Greene founded Citymeals on Wheels after reading a New York Times article about the homebound elderly having nothing to eat on weekends and holidays. She rallied her friends in the food world, raising $35,000 to provide meals for her homebound older neighbors that Christmas.

Citymeals remains deeply rooted in New York City's vibrant culinary community to this day. In 2016, board members Chef Daniel Boulud and Chef Charlie Palmer created the Citymeals Culinary Circle, a group of local chefs, restaurateurs and culinary influencers. They volunteer, participate in Citymeals events and spread awareness about our mission.