24. Richmond Food Bank Society

Organization Information

Organization Name

Richmond Food Bank Society

Mission and Vision of Organization

Mission

To be a caring organization that provides food assistance, advocacy and related support to community members in need.

Vision

A caring community where no one goes hungry

Guiding Principles + Values

The Richmond Food Bank Society believes in acquiring and sharing surplus food with those in need. We serve our clients regardless of race, colour, national or ethnic origin, citizenship, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, income source, age, mental or physical ability.

Our Values: Respect Service Cooperation Advocacy Accountability

Contact Information

• Primary Contact Person(s): Hajira Hussain, Alex Atkinson
• Email: [[1]]
• Phone: 604.271.5609
• Address: #100 – 5800 Cedarbridge Way, Richmond BC, Canada V6X 2A7
• Website: www.richmondfoodbank.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: Afternoons

Preferred Platform(s) for Remote Collaboration

• In person, Email, Phone, Zoom

Project Description

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

The Richmond Food Bank Society is a dynamic hub providing food assistance, advocacy and related support to over 1700 individuals each week. We recover surplus food from local businesses and grocery stores 7 days a week. We distribute perishable and nonperishable groceries to our neighbours in need through on-site as well as off-site grocery distributions as well as home deliveries. In response to the pandemic, we had switched from a grocery style model of distribution to a pre-packed hamper model. This switch also facilitated hampers for special diets such as gluten free, diabetes, vegetarian and halal. While some of the packaged food is labelled for such diets, however, there are many others that are not labelled but are suitable for people with special dietary requirements. Through this project we would like a handy reference sheet or an infographic to assist volunteers in identifying foods that are suitable for special diets while they are sorting, packing or distributing food.

Main Project Activities

• Literature review/case studies of similar project
• Survey design and implementation
• Media creation such as infographics, posters, videos

Will the project work for the students be online, in person, or a combination?

• Combination of online and in-person

Expected Project Deliverable(s)

• A handy reference sheet or an infographic to assist volunteers in identifying foods which are suitable for special diets while they are sorting, packing or distributing food
• Recommendations on updating our list of “Most Needed Items"
• Others, to be decided with community partner at the first meeting

Student Assets and Skills (preferred or required)

• Excellent research, writing and presentation skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Canva
• Ability to respectfully engage with clients, staff and volunteers
• Interest in Nutrition and Dietetics.

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

• Excellent research, writing and presentation skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Canva
• Ability to respectfully engage with clients, staff and volunteers
• Applying nutrition and dietetics knowledge

Are there any mandatory attendance dates (e.g. special event)?

• No mandatory dates as such but biweekly check-ins via zoom will be ideal

Is a criminal record search (CRS) required?

• Yes

Preferred Days of Week and Hours

• Flexible

Related Community Service Opportunities for Students

• Students may participate in volunteering opportunities on site during one of our distributions.

Required Reading

Project/Partner Orientation Materials

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

• Students are encouraged to review program information available on our website at www.richmondfoodbank.org
• Richmond Food Bank Society Virtual Tour: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFF-KtcpRmo

Additional Project/Partner Orientation Materials

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

• In-person tour of the facility