21. Richmond Food Security Society – Convening a Town Hall

Organization Information

Organization Name

Richmond Food Security Society

Mission and Vision of Organization

Inspiring a robust Richmond food system through education, advocacy and community-building initiatives. Healthy people, community and environment.

Guiding Principles + Values

Authentic Principles - we live the values as identified in the Richmond Food Charter: Courageous Community Leadership - we engage our community to address challenges. Healthy Ambition - we grow community wellness and have fun doing it. Sustainable Change - we inspire long-term, tangible, systemic results.

Contact Information

• Primary Contact Person(s): Ian Lai
• Email: director@richmondfoodsecurity.org
• Phone: 778-681-9264  
• Address: 7611 Ash Street, Richmond BC
• Website: www.richmondfoodsecurity.org  

Preferred Method of Contact

• Best method(s) to contact: Email
• Best day(s) to contact:Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays
• Best time(s) to contact: Mornings

Project Description

In partnership with Vancouver Coastal Health and the City of Richmond, Richmond Food Security Society plans to convene a town hall. This event will be part of a broader strategy for Richmond residents to identify priority areas for municipal food policy and action. LFS350 students will assist with planning the event, reaching out to Richmond residents, and creating a welcoming and low-barrier environment at the town hall event.

This may include:

• Researching successful public outreach and policy engagement strategies used in other municipalities, especially in the Canadian context
• Working closely with RFSS staff and institutional partners (e.g. VCH and City of Richmond staff) as appropriate) to develop an event plan
• Developing outreach materials (e.g. flyers, posters)
• Providing logistical support at the event (e.g. note-taking, room set-up and take-down)
• Providing translation support for residents who may have limited English fluency
• Informing recommendations for a broader public outreach and engagement framework

What challenge or issue does the project aim to address?

The City of Richmond has an official Food Charter but does not currently have a food policy council or other formal mechanism for residents to inform matters of municipal food policy. Through this project, RFSS is seeking the food systems opinions and priorities of Richmond residents, so that residents can be included in the development of the City's municipal food policy processes.

Student Assets and Skills (preferred or required)

• Ability to create friendly and welcoming environments
• Interest in civic participation processes
• Interest in low-barrier/accessible participation strategies
• Written and/or spoken communication skills in non-English languages an asset (such as Chinese languages, Pilipino, Punjabi, American Sign Language)

Student Assets and Skills (to be developed through the project)

• Understanding of civic engagement processes
• Planning and implementing accessible events
• Strategic visioning and planning skills
• Cross-cultural communication skills

Is a criminal record check required?

No

Project Location

7611 Ash Street, Richmond BC, V6Y2S2

Preferred Days of Week and Hours

Self-directed

Project/Partner Orientation Materials

Students should review these materials prior to the first partner meeting:

• Richmond Food Charter
• Food Security and Agricultural Advisory Committee (FSAAC) Terms of Reference
• Civil Society Engagement Towards A Food Policy for Canada (report on the National Food Policy engagement strategy
• We are listening: Engaging patients and families on the Patient, Family, and Community Inclusion Policy and toolkit (Provincial Health Services Authority report)

Additional Project/Partner Orientation Materials

The following will be provided at the first community partner meeting:

• TBD

Related Community Service Opportunities for Students

Students have ample opportunities to volunteer with our organization during and after their project in any of our program streams. Please ask.