Practicum Opportunity with the Food Security Institute

Practicum Opportunity Related to Community Development and Sustainable Urban Agriculture

Renfrew Collingwood Food Security Institute
C/O Collingwood Neighbourhood House
5288 Joyce. St, Vancouver BC
V5R 6C9, 604-435-0323

Term: Summer position

Pay: $10.00/hour (35 hours/week for 8 weeks)

Please Note: This position is subject to funding through HRSDC Canada

Description of Organization: The Renfrew Collingwood Food Security Institute is a non-profit organization, which was established in 2002 with the aim to increase individual, family, and community capacity to attain food security. Through the involvement of representatives and community members we support and encourage initiatives focused on growing, nutrition, cooking, harvesting, sharing of knowledge and resources, leadership development and capacity building. The institute works in collaboration with the Collingwood Neighbourhood House to develop community learning, leadership and networking around the issues of food security through a community development model. Description of Roles and Responsibilities:• To assist the project coordinator in promoting and developing food and food growing programs and resources as well as research innovative ideas around food security in the Renfrew Collingwood area.
• Facilitate or co-facilitate community kitchen workshops with participants.• Work with volunteers and leadership teams to harvest and or collect locally produced fruits and vegetables to distribute them to low income residence.
• Help develop the new demonstration rooftop garden on the Collingwood Neighbourhood House. • Document Immigrant growing practices in the Renfrew Collingwood Community.
•Help map community food resources and facilitate innovative food security options through volunteer support and leadership teams.
• Assist in hosting community celebrations and educational events around organic food growing and a sustainable food system.
• Document and evaluate progress of work through weekly reports to supervisor.
Specific Qualifications: Due to restrictions from HRSDC funding the suitable candidates must be 15-30 years of age, legally able to work in Canada have been in full-time studies in the previous year and be returning to full time studies in the fall of 2007.


Preferred Qualifications Include: • Knowledge around food and urban agriculture issues.
• Experience working with/ leading volunteer teams.• Organizational and time management skills. • Willingness to work flexible hours including weekends and evenings. •Preference will be given to person living in the Renfrew/Collingwood Neighbourhood.

Training Provided:
• Program Development and Delivery
• Community development models for sustainable agriculture practices
including off-sites visitations to other programs.
• Skills around gardening, food sharing and food processing.
Closing Date: May 1, 2008. Please send resume and cover letter to foodsecurity@cnh.bc.ca Attn: Heidi Sinclair