Project Title
Enhancing a Food Hamper Distribution Program with Small Space Gardening
Organization Information
Organization Name
Mission and Vision of Organization
Here at Unique Get Together Society, we see the value in everyone. We are dedicated to empowering Indigenous, marginalized and underserved communities, individuals and families. Dedicated to strengthening their overall physical, mental, social-emotional, and spiritual development. To assist families, communities and individuals through our programs such as nutritional health, family support advocacy and subsidies. We are here to fight racial and other social inequalities with love and compassion.
"Stand up for truth, stand up for justice, stand up for equality and I will be there with you." - Martin Luther King Jr
Guiding Principles + Values
Our vision is to be empowered by love for humanity, the land, and for the things we do to support each other every single day. We want to create a safe place to promote individual integrity, inclusion, and diversity. That is what we were created to do: love each other no matter what, regardless of skin colour, religion, or values, without judgment, and be open-minded and accepting of each other to love.
Contact Information
- Primary Contact Person(s): Shawn Shabaquay (he/him)
- Email: shawn@ugts.ca
- Phone: 604-725-2483
- Address: 500-610 Main Street Vancouver BC
- Website: https://www.uniquegettogethersociety.com/
- Alternate Contact: Debra Abraham (she/her), debra@ugts.ca
Preferred Method of Contact
- Best method(s) to contact: Email, Phone
- Best day(s) to contact: Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays
- Best time(s) to contact: Mornings, Afternoons
Preferred Platform(s) for Remote Collaboration
- Email, Phone, Zoom
Project Description
Note: This project will take place in person
Context: What challenge or issue does the project aim to address?
Unique Get Together Society partners with Foodmesh to assist families and individuals experiencing food insecurity through the Essential Food Hamper program. Hampers include non-perishable food items such as dairy products, vegetables and fruits. This weekly program is meant to support individuals and families who are in financial difficulties and struggle to afford essential family needs.
The UGTS team dreamed of enhancing this initiative by distributing gardening "first aid kits" along with food supplies. In Fall 2022, LFS 350 students helped develop the idea into a plan, including a detailed budget and materials list, as well as recommendations for food plants that are easy to grow and rich in micronutrients. In Canada (as elsewhere), households with inadequate incomes face experience higher levels of nutrient deficiency, and may not have access to gardening space or equipment. The "gardening first aid kits" offer information about the micronutrient-rich foods, and are intended to be a fun/cost effective way to break down the barriers that separate quality food and education from those who may not otherwise be able to afford it.
Main Project Activities and Deliverables
Students will build on the work of the Term 1 LFS 350 students to implement the project plan. Adjustments to the plan may be required, but the main anticipated activities include:
- Sourcing and planting seeds
- Stewarding seedlings and transplanting when appropriate
- Advise on watering/sunlight needs of the specific plant(s)
- Coordinate with UGTS staff so that seedlings and plants can be distributed effectively
- Plants should be accompanied by step-by-step instructions on caring for plants during changing seasons and/or which plants grow better under certain environmental conditions - could be in video format
- Plants should be accompanied by notecards about the nutrients in the plants, their health benefits, and the consequences of nutrient deficiency (using friendly, accessible language)
While the Term 1 students developed a project budget, Term 2 students should use this as a guideline, but may need to make adjustments.
If time permits:
- Students will assist UGTS to develop an evaluation strategy, including indicators of progress/success (are members enjoying the kits as intended? How well are micronutrient challenges being addressed? etc.). The strategy will help UGTS assess the impact of the initiative in the future, and identify ways to improve its effectiveness over time
Student Assets and Skills (preferred or required)
- Gardening knowledge, especially container gardening
- Knowledge and interest in soil and organic fertilizing approaches
- Knowledge of nutrition
- Interest in public health and addressing micronutrient deficiencies in a Canadian context
Are there any mandatory attendance dates (e.g. special event)?
- Dates/times for hands-on activities will be discussed and decided with community partner
Is a criminal record search (CRS) required?
- No
How much self-direction is expected from the students?
- Deciding on the project deliverable(s): Led by students
- 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.): Equal leadership between students and community partner
- Implementing the activity plan (e.g. surveying stakeholder groups): Mostly led by students, with some community partner input
- Finalizing the deliverable(s): Led by students
Related Community Service Opportunities for Students
- We are always looking for volunteers. Please ask about opportunities!
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.
- Unique Get Together Society website
- Review project materials developed by Term 1 students (please request a copy from your community partner)
- Growing Food in Containers (2021). West Coast Seeds.
- Do Canadian Adults Meet Their Nutrient Requirements Through Food Intake Alone? (2012). Health Canada
Expected Outcomes
Intended Short-term Project Outcome
UGTS will have increased knowledge and hands-on support in designing and implementing the garden bag initiative, which increases nutritious food access and reduces gardening barriers for members
Learning Outcomes
Through this project, I think students will learn about...
- The prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies in Canada
- The importance of micronutrients for health
- Barriers to accessing nutritious food experienced by marginalized members of society
- Challenges related to gardening space/land access
By working on this project, I think students will develop skills and/or awareness of...
- Ways to reduce barriers to nutritious food access
- Ways to reduce barriers to growing food
- Simple to grow our own food at home
- Designing a gardening initiative that considers multiple barriers and space constraints
By the end of the project, I believe students will come to appreciate...
- Nourishing the land and soil
- Multiple benefits of reducing barriers to gardening
- We can get all we need from the land