Overview
Project Title
Engaging the Community in Food Security Through Infographics
Organization Name
Richmond Food Security Society
Keywords
Food systems, food policy, education, info-graphics
Related Course Concepts
Food justice, Food Security, Asset based Community Development, Social Class/Income inequality
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
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): Sarina Clay-Smith
- Email: [[1]]
- Phone: 604-440-7848
- Address: 7611 Ash Street, Richmond BC
- Website: https://www.richmondfoodsecurity.org/about-us-2/
Preferred Method of Contact
- Best method(s) to contact: Email
- Best day(s) to contact:Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays
- Best time(s) to contact: Mornings, Afternoons
Preferred Platform(s) for Remote Collaboration
- Email, Zoom
Project Description
Context: 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 another 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. For comparison, see the Vancouver Food Policy Council, Kamloops Food Policy Council, and Toronto Food Policy Council. We will eventually lead a townhall to engage and educate the public and stakeholders on food policy issues and how to best build towards establishing a Richmond Food Policy Council.
Main Project Activities
The students will create infographics to educate and engage the Richmond community on the topic of food security, as the general public does not have a full understanding of the terms "food secure". This will build on the previous term of students who created an infographic on what is food insecurity. To fully engage the public in matters of food policy, we need to work to promote a greater public understanding of food security issues, and how our current food system is vulnerable to climate, economic, governmental, and other changes. Our food system has shown its fragility and inequity during the pandemic and part of this project will highlight those issues and potential alternatives. The infographics will be used throughout RFSS programs, but the primary intention is to generate interest in participating in our future Townhall initiative.
Expected Project Deliverable(s)
Infographic (both physical and digital) that can be used throughout programs and social media platforms.
Intended Project Outcome
Infographic that would better educate and engage the public
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 Creativity communicating topics to a variety of audiences
Student Assets and Skills (to be developed through the project)
- Understanding of civic engagement processes Strategic visioning and planning skills Cross-cultural and education communication skills Research and development
Are there any mandatory attendance dates (e.g. special event)?
- no
Is a criminal record search (CRS) required?
No
If a criminal record search is required, when should the process be initiated?
Preferred Days of Week and Hours
Wednesday and Thursdays all day
Related Community Service Opportunities for Students
none
Required Reading
Project/Partner Orientation Materials
Students should review these materials prior to the first partner meeting:
- https://myhealthmycommunity.org/explore-results/results-by-community/
- http://www.vch.ca/public-health/nutrition/food-asset-map
- https://myhealthmycommunity.org/community-profile/richmond/
- https://foodsecurecanada.org/resources-news/resources-research/report-civil-society-engagement-towards-food-policy-canada
Additional Project/Partner Orientation Materials
The following will be provided at the first community partner meeting:
- no
Expected Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
I hope students will learn about...
- current food systems, what promotes individual and community food security
I think students will come to appreciate...
- how important it is to engage and educate the public
Through this project, students will develop...
- skills in food policy and communication
Organizational Outcomes
How does the student project contribute to your organization's mission and long-term vision?
This project increases the Richmond community's understanding of the services our society provides. The development of an infographic will help us continue our programs that address issues of food secure and strive to increase the communities access to healthy and local food. With a basic understanding of what impacts and improves an individual's or community's food security, we can continue to engage and educate the public and increase the community's involvement with initiatives that address social and economic inequalities.
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