1. InspireHealth: Food Safety Protocol and Infographic

Organization Information

Organization Name

InspireHealth

Mission and Vision of Organization

Mission

We inspire people affected by cancer to enhance their quality of life and well-being by integrating wisdom and evidence-informed practices that support mind, body and spirit.

Vision

Health care that supports patient choice, inspires engagement, and promotes physical and emotional health.

Guiding Principles + Values

• We value the connection between mind, body and spirit
• We are guided by a wisdom-based, evidence-informed approach
• We are respectful and open in our communication
• We embody mindfulness, compassion, and peace
• We cultivate a caring community

Contact Information

• Primary Contact Person(s): Lynda Soberanes
• Email: lsoberanes@inspirehealth.ca
• Phone: 604-734-7125 ext 238  
• Address: 200-1330 West 8th Avenue, Vancouver
• Website: www.inspirehealth.ca  

Preferred Method of Contact

• Best method(s) to contact: Email
• Best day(s) to contact:Fridays
• Best time(s) to contact: Mornings

Project Description

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

In this project, students will develop a protocol for training new volunteers working in the kitchen and/or with foods. One infographic will be created to be displayed in the kitchen, as a reminder for the main steps to be followed when preparing food.

At InspireHealth, we work with people with previous or current cancer diagnosis. Some of our patients have low white blood cell (WBC) counts (i.e. lower immune system), therefore the foods they eat should be prepared following strict food safe principles. Right now, we prepare some foods to share during some of our programs and we remind volunteers in an informal and inconsistent way about the importance of food safety, also have some information posted in the kitchen; however we are not doing this in a standardized way, where we can ensure that they know the main principles (i.e. hand washing, temperatures at which foods are more vulnerable, how to cool foods, etc).

A protocol will help us being consistent with training and also like to have a visual reminder of the food safety principles, so it doesn't require a lot of time reading through the instructions we have posted in the kitchen.

Main Project Activities

• Work with InspireHealth staff to ensure the resources developed are tailored to the specific context
• If possible, participate in an existing InspireHealth food program (e.g. community kitchen) to better contextualize the resources they develop

Expected Project Deliverable(s)

• Written training protocol
• Infographic to be displayed in the InspireHealth kitchen

Student Assets and Skills (preferred or required)

• Knowledge or interest in learning about importance of food safety
• Knowledge or interest in translating complex information into accessible formats
• Interest and empathy for people with previous or current cancer diagnosis
• Understanding and empathy of the social and emotional importance of eating together

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

• Analysis and synthesis of current information around food safety
• Creativity for the development of info graphic
• Knowledge about the importance of food safety in the context of cancer

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

• TBD

Is a criminal record check required?

• No

Project Location

• InspireHealth or other place of preference for students, as needed

Preferred Days of Week and Hours

• Friday mornings or early afternoons

Related Community Service Opportunities for Students

• Volunteering opportunities are always open for anyone interested. Please ask.

Required Reading

Project/Partner Orientation Materials

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

• British Columbia Food Safety Resources
• Food Safety (Canadian Cancer Society resources)

Additional Project/Partner Orientation Materials

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

• In-person community orientation

General Resources

• Food Safety During and After Cancer Treatment (American Society of Clinical Oncology resources)
• Let's Eat: The Role of Food Provision during Social Support Programming (United Way of the Lower Mainland, 2015)