Waterloo Region Shares A Project of the Food Assistance Network

The 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 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 Study Gaps and inconsistencies in customer service Lack of understanding about the system Inconsistent data collection Food supply shortages Inadequate safety policies, procedures and facilities Inadequate hours of operation Common themes – equality, access, equity

The 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 ProvidersFood 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 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 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 CNW Support development of community gardens and produce swaps Freezing and canning workshops Develop advocacy strategies to encourage community support for food assistance in multiple settings

Literature Review Levels of Prevention 1 0 – farmer training, food skills, urban agriculture, school food programs, co-ops, buying clubs, community kitchens, policy councils 2 0 – adequate food allowance in Social Assistance, Meals on Wheels, Canada Prenatal Nutrition Program, markets 3 0 – food banks, gleaning, soup kitchens, Food Animators

Recommendation 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 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 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 Plans Network model and map tool Guidelines Working Groups Data collection Rural experience

Project Funders