Peer-Led Learning Opportunity: Reimagining Food Access with Parkdale Food Centre

Please note the following opportunity is available to all staff and volunteers of food programs supported by the Ottawa Food Bank, and unfortunately not available to other volunteers or staff members of parent organizations of food programs. When registration is limited, priority will be given to individuals who have permanent / long-term roles at their organization. Representatives of food programs outside the Ottawa Food Bank Network are welcome to attend by invitation from Parkdale Food Centre.

We recommend this training for Community & Emergency Food Banks and Food Cupboards who do not currently offer a choice-based model, or who want more structure for their choice-based model.

The Parkdale Food Centre (PFC) invites you to an exclusive look at its new Reimagining Food Access Manual and Tool Kit over a series of tailored workshops designed for food programs. These workshops will provide tangible support for food banks transitioning to a choice-based model by providing a practical and approachable guide to implementation, with clear, action-oriented steps as well as adaptable tools and templates. 

At its core, a choice-based model is grounded in the belief that each individual should have agency in the food they choose for themselves and their family. These workshops, manual, and toolkit outline how to reimagine your space, systems, and relationships to support a values-driven shift built on dignity, autonomy, food justice, and community connection.

Join PFC for one workshop or many! Select the date(s) for the workshop(s) you wish to attend in the calendar. Registration closes 2 days before each session. Spots are limited.

Each workshop will include time for questions and discussion with the facilitator and other participants.

Reimagining Food Access 101 – General Presentation of the Tool Kit and Possible Uses

Friday, October 30, 10-11:30am

Virtual

This first workshop will provide an overview of the Manual and Tool Kit. Subsequent workshops will go into more depth on each core concept. Participants will have the opportunity to:

• Learn about the elaboration and applications of the Manual and Tool Kit
• Discover the benefits of the choice-model for neighbours and agencies
• Review the core concepts of the Manual and Tool Kit (Radical Hospitality, Points System, Physical Space, Program Logistics, Inventory and Food Sourcing)
• Be invited to a new mentorship program by PFC for food banks looking to implement their own choice model

Radical Hospitality & Physical Space

Friday, November 13, 10am-12pm

In person: Mino'Weesini (5 Hamilton Ave North)

The second workshops takes a deeper look at two core concepts: radical hospitality, and physical space. Participants will have the opportunity to:

• Discover what radical hospitality looks like at different points of the neighbour experience 
• Explore practical ways to apply radical hospitality
• Learn about planning layouts for a dignified shopping experience
• Discuss ways to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere in their space
• See all of the above applied in a real food bank space

Point System, Pricing, Inventory, and Food Sourcing

Friday, November 27, 10-11:30am

Virtual

The third workshop goes in-depth on the calculations and procurement necessary to run a choice-based model food bank. Participants will have the opportunity to:

• Discover the benefits of a points system
• Learn how to determine point allocations for households, point values per item, and limits
• Explore manual and digital tools to track point usage
• Review procurement guiding principles
• Learn how to manage inventory for variety, choice, consistency, and thoughtfulness
• Discuss how to establish partnerships for food acquisition

Program Logistics & Stock Management

Friday, December 11, 10am-12pm

In person: Mino'Weesini (5 Hamilton Ave North)

The final workshop covers the relationship with neighbours within the context of a choice-based model. Participants will have the opportunity to:

• Discuss scheduling, appointments, and drop-in times
• Explore intake procedures that prioritize dignity
• Review roles and responsibilities for volunteers