Waterloo Region Waterloo Region SharesShares

A Project of the Food Assistance Network

The Food Assistance NetworkThe Food Assistance Network

Over 100 agencies and programs in Waterloo Region providing emergency food

Includes the two local food banks, hamper programs, food cupboards, meal, shelter and residential programs

EMERGENCY FOOD REVIEWEMERGENCY FOOD REVIEW

Review conducted in 2005/06:

Identified areas for improvement in coordination, effectiveness and efficiency within the scope of the community’s food assistance network

Findings from the StudyFindings from the Study

Gaps and inconsistencies in customer serviceLack of understanding about the system Inconsistent data collectionFood supply shortagesInadequate safety policies, procedures and

facilitiesInadequate hours of operationCommon themes – equality, access, equity

The Network – Meeting NeedsThe Network – Meeting Needs

Food Assistance Network

Manage the food assistance system

Ensure system is equitable

Maximize efficiency and effectiveness

Communicate and collaborate

Develop service guidelines

Advocate

Food Assistance Providers Food Banks: CSHFB/FBWR

Distribute food

Follow service guidelines

Refer participants to appropriate resources

Acquire and distribute food via agencies and programs

Maintain food supply

Respond to member needs and ensure equitable distribution

Provide excellent service

Collaborate with Network members

Submit HungerCount monthly

Coordinate all food sourcing projects

Collaborate with industry and other partners

Understand and manage industry trends

Recommendation 2Recommendation 2

Support further development in the community of the impact of coping and prevention programs

Achievements

◦ 5 Focus Groups: barriers to accessing coping and prevention services and suggested strategies to reduce barriers

◦ Literature review

◦ Relationships and linkages between Network programs and other networks dealing with poverty, advocacy, and food security

Recommendation 3Recommendation 3

Strike a task force on community centre & neighbourhood access to food assistance in order to confirm direction and roles

Achievements

◦ Task Force◦ 2 Community centre consultations◦ 5 focus groups◦ Literature review◦ Outreach Worker Survey

Focus Group Report

Assist community centres to access CNWSupport development of community

gardens and produce swapsFreezing and canning workshopsDevelop advocacy strategies to encourage

community support for food assistance in multiple settings

Literature Review

Levels of Prevention10 – farmer training, food skills, urban

agriculture, school food programs, co-ops, buying clubs, community kitchens, policy councils

20 – adequate food allowance in Social Assistance, Meals on Wheels, Canada Prenatal Nutrition Program, markets

30 – food banks, gleaning, soup kitchens, Food Animators

Recommendation 5Recommendation 5

Ensure all organizations in the Network have access to written food handling and food storage policies and procedures and provide training and education programs for all organization staff and volunteers

Achievements

◦ Food Safety Training Workshop

◦ Guidelines and posters from Food Banks Canada

Recommendation 7Recommendation 7

Identify ways to improve the consistency and coordination of service levels across the Network to both customers and stakeholder organizations

Achievements

◦ Hamper Guidelines Working Group (7 agencies)◦ “Ideal” Food Hamper

Recommendation 9Recommendation 9

Improve operating efficiencies and coordination of food collection and distribution to ensure consistency throughout the Network

Achievements

◦ Food banks working together to increase and maintain adequate level of donated food.

◦ Increasing cold food storage space

Some Future PlansSome Future Plans

Network model and map toolGuidelines Working GroupsData collectionRural experience

Project FundersProject Funders