South Vancouver Food Security

Hi Sally,

I followed up with Brendan Clyde, the UBC students heading the Food Security mapping project with the South Vancouver Neighbourhood House and Food Network (SVNHFN). He has responded to your questions below regarding Geog 472 student involvement. Should you require further clarification you can reach him at: brendanclyde@gmail.com or Julie Thomson, Food Security Program Developer (@South Vancouver Neighbourhood House) foodsecurity@southvan.org

1.       How will the map be used when it is completed and why is the committee carrying out the project?

·         The map will be used as a resource for two groups. On one level to South Vancouver community members, to help direct them to quality, healthy food and education programs related to food in their area. The map will be handed out to community members using the facilities at South Vancouver Neighbourhood House, as well as BC housing, social services, community centres and other relevant sites.

·         On the other level, as a resource for municipal developers and policy makers, as well as coordinators of programs relating to food and food education, to help keep them connected to other programming in their area and in the long run help to create a network of knowledge.

2.       What are the deliverables and outcomes of the mapping process?

·         The outcomes of this mapping process is to give a detailed map of healthy, food relevant resources in the South Vancouver area. 

Examples are: 

- Food Education programs

- Farmers markets

- Regularly scheduled food outreach programs

- Food banks

- Community gardens

- Community centres with food programs

- Affordable food stores

3.       How comprehensive is the mapping project? i.e. What resources need to be mapped? Where will you pull your data from

·         The data will be collected through researching the area and what programs are offered. I have been collecting data that has been passed to me from the South Vancouver Neighbourhood Food Network (This group is different from SVNH which is the Neighbourhood house) A volunteer-based working group but the project will require us to go out into the community and meet the people running these food programs. We will need to collect information such as what food programs are being offered, who runs them, staffing, how frequently they operate, who they serve and where funding sources.  The project will be as comprehensive as possible.

Do let me know if you need further assistance with this.

Have a wonderful weekend,

Heather