Overview
Project Title
Analyzing the cost of food distributed at the Richmond Food Bank
Organization Name
Organization Information
Organization Name
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.
The food distributed at the Richmond Food Bank includes non-perishable (canned and packaged shelf stable food) as well as perishable items (produce, meat, dairy, bread). Each household is able to pick up food based on the family size. We would like to have a better understanding of the cost of individual food baskets to inform our budgeting and procurement processes, and to help our donors and funders understand the impact of their contributions.
If time permits:
We would appreciate students' insights into the adequacy of the quantity and quality of the food being received by our clients. This will assist us in the distribution of food in a fair and dignified manner, and will help us determine if we need to make any changes regarding 1. Food allowances per household and 2. Food purchases
Main Project Activities
- Cost analysis of a variety of food hampers (varying by household size and food preferences)
- Written report and infographic summarizing students' findings (to be shared with funders, donors, and others)
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 written report + handy reference sheet or an infographic that summarizes and communicates our food costs
- If time permits: Recommendations on updating our list of “Most Needed Items" or adjustments to our procurement processes
- 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 Canva, infographic design software
- Ability to respectfully engage with clients, staff and volunteers
- Interest in Nutrition and Dietetics.
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
Expected Outcomes
Intended Project Outcome (short term outcome)
Richmond Food Bank staff have a more accurate understanding of the cost of food distribution, allowing for more accurate budgeting and accountability to our donors and funders.
Learning Outcomes
Through this project, I think students will learn about...
- the complexities of food bank procurement and distribution
By working on this project, I think students will develop skills and/or awareness of...
- the food preferences and dietary requirements of food bank clients
By the end of the project, I believe students will come to appreciate...
- the importance of clear and accurate communication with charitable funders and donors