22. South Vancouver Family Place – Food Access App

Overview

Project Title

Food Access App

Organization Name

South Vancouver Family Place

Keywords

Local food, Food access, Digital literacy, Food supply

Related Course Concepts

Food justice, Food security, Asset based community development, Social class/income inequality

Organization Information

Organization Name

South Vancouver Family Place

Mission and Vision of Organization

Our mission is to support families with young children in building healthy relationships and community networks, by providing services and programs in a welcoming, nurturing and respectful environment. Along with being a support resource for young families we offer the following programs: Drop In Family Resource Programs Preschool Programs Other Parent Support Programs

Guiding Principles + Values

Statement of Diversity We acknowledge and embrace a diverse spectrum of families and create and inclusive environment for all.

Contact Information

  • Primary Contact Person(s): Julio Bello
  • Email:  [[1]]
  • Phone: 604-325-5213  
  • Address: 7710 Nanaimo Street Vancouver, BC
  • Website:  http://www.southvancouverfamilyplace.org/

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, Google Meet, Zoom

Project Description

Context: What challenge or issue does the project aim to address?

- Community food security and supporting local BC farms - Building a more robust, sustainable food system - We have in mind, a program that aims to connect farmers directly to consumers through an app/computer programming. The computer program/website/app etc aims to make the “connection” between consumers and farmers “easier” - similar to how we can easily online shop.Our idea is that we would create an app in which farmers and consumers will sign up to make their purchasing process easier - no need to go through middlemen (grocery stores, processors, etc) in the purchasing process community members are able to purchase (theoretically cheaper), fresh produce from local BC farmers. Additionally, the app will connect farmers to local nonprofits, in which various arrangements could be made : For example, they can organize community residents to obtain food in exchange for volunteering for the not-for-profit - the possibilities are endless when farmers and community members are directly connected We theorize that this system may be able to support better food security of the community, by 1) support towards local BC farms 2) improve community members’ access to food 3) Support social, economical and environmental aspects of sustainability

Main Project Activities

Students may complete a small research project in which they analyze whether this new idea is theoretically feasible and useful. They will work on literature reviews, interviews, or others as they wish - to create a SWOT analysis on the idea.

Expected Project Deliverable(s)

A SWOT analysis paper on this idea

Intended Project Outcome

A better, thorough understanding of this idea

Student Assets and Skills (preferred or required)

  • - Interest and understanding in community food security - Interest in research - Good writing / analytical skills

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

  • - Research skills - Communication Skills - Systemic thinking

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

Weekday mornings


Related Community Service Opportunities for Students

We have many volunteering opportunities for our food security initiatives as well as others for the Family Place. Please ask!

Required Reading

Project/Partner Orientation Materials

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

  • N/A

Additional Project/Partner Orientation Materials

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

  • N/A

Expected Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

I hope students will learn about...

  • An understanding of community food security - the factors hindering community food security and how we can improve them An understanding of food system An understanding of food distribution An understanding of online applications and programs

I think students will come to appreciate...

  • Different creative methods that are possible to look at, and help alleviate food insecurity The complexity of our current food system The importance of community partnerships and cooperations in understanding and solving complex issues

Through this project, students will develop...

  • Research skills Systemic thinking skills and more

Organizational Outcomes

How does the student project contribute to your organization's mission and long-term vision?

  • Creating a healthy community through ensuring a food community among all citizens.
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source: https://wiki.ubc.ca/Course:LFS350/Projects/F2020/SouthVanFamilyPlace