Project Title
Analysis of food infrastructure needs in rural, remote and Indigenous communities of BC
Organization Information
Organization Name
Mission and Vision of Organization
Mission
We strengthen vital connections that support people in need in our local communities.
Vision
A healthy, caring, inclusive community.
Guiding Principles + Values
Core Values
- Collaborative, compassionate, strategic, responsive, accountable, inspiring
Attributes
- We bring people together and inspire local action.
- We connect our rigorous evidence-based approach with community listening and consultation.
- We collaborate to co-create solutions.
- We step in where gaps exist.
- We bring our unique strengths and expertise as a fund and program manager.
- We build transformative long-term donor relationships.
- We inspire and mentor leadership.
Contact Information
- Primary Contact Person(s): Hailey Dermott, she/her. As Hailey is away from Sept 12-23, please contact Heather Escobar (she/her) to set up first partner meeting
- Email: heathere@uwbc.ca
- Phone: 1-236-471-1333
- Address: 4543 Canada Way Burnaby BC V5G 4T4
- Website: https://uwbc.ca/
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
- In person, Email, Phone, Zoom, Teams
Project Description
Note: This project will take place online. Attendance of our virtual Harvest Session in November (exact date TBC) would be an enhancement.
Context: What challenge or issue does the project aim to address?
In rural and remote areas and First Nation communities in British Columbia, the nearest grocery store can be hundreds of kilometres away. Community programs play a key role in ensuring all residents can get the nourishing food they need. United Way British Columbia, working in partnership with the Ministry of Health, oversees a one-time grant with a goal to address the unique food access and availability challenges of rural, remote and Indigenous communities. The goal of the Food Infrastructure Grant is to fund the development, implementation or improvement of food infrastructure to support year-round, long-term procurement, storage and distribution of fresh, traditional and other food and enhance community well-being.
United Way BC has invested in about half of the total amount of funding requested from community food-based organizations across the province. This project would consist of a scan of the grant applications to analyze and categorize the food infrastructure needs across BC. Which needs are expected to be met by this fund? Which remain unmet?
Main Project Activities and Deliverables
- Review of past Food Infrastructure grant applications
- Students can use technology to determine trends; NVivo and Tableau software are both available free of charge for UBC students
- Graphic representation of the need across regions or other categories and the fund’s estimated impact on those needs (format to be discussed with partner, e.g. infographic)
Student Assets and Skills (preferred or required)
- Well organized, independent and attentive to detail
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Data collection, analysis and mapping skills preferred (GIS an asset)
- Interest in rural, remote, and Indigenous food systems
- Interest in grant writing and funders' perspectives
Are there any mandatory attendance dates (e.g. special event)?
- Students are invited to attend our virtual Harvest Session in November (exact date TBC) to enhance and inform their project findings. The Harvest Session offers the opportunity to hear a variety of perspectives directly from our contacts at UW-funded, food-based organizations across BC.
Is a criminal record search (CRS) required?
- No
How much self-direction is expected from the students?
- Deciding on the project deliverable(s): Mostly led by students, with some community partner input
- Developing the activity plan and timeline: Equal leadership between students and community partner
- Scheduling and initiating the communication plan (e.g. weekly Zoom check-in, biweekly email update, etc.): Mostly led by students, with some community partner input
- Implementing the activity plan (e.g. surveying stakeholder groups): Mostly led by students, with some community partner input
- Finalizing the deliverable(s): Mostly led by students, with some community partner input
Related Community Service Opportunities for Students
- Students are invited to attend our virtual Harvest Session in November (exact date TBC). Students would have to chance to hear a variety of perspectives directly from UW's contacts at food-based organizations across BC.
Required Reading
Project/Partner Orientation Materials
Students should review the following materials prior to the first partner meeting. Additional orientation materials may be provided at the first partner meeting.
Additional Materials
Expected Outcomes
Intended Short-term Project Outcome
United Way BC staff and partners have greater insight into regional and functional trends in food infrastructure needs, and a better understanding the Infrastructure Grant's impact, thus allowing for informed advocacy for increased investment and support
Learning Outcomes
Through this project, I think students will learn about...
- Funding and granting for community food-based organizations.
- The variety of infrastructure needs of rural, remote and Indigenous communities in BC to support food security projects.
By working on this project, I think students will develop skills and/or awareness of...
- Mapping and data analysis to identify gaps in existing food infrastructure funding
- Examples of food sovereignty, community resiliency and emergency preparedness from all regions of the province.
By the end of the project, I believe students will come to appreciate...
- The complexity of the food systems and the regional differences across BC
- The potential for data-driven advocacy towards systems change