With food security top of mind for many countries around the world right now, a Richmond non-profit is inviting residents to join them this month.
The Richmond Food Security Society (RFSS) has been active in the city since 2009, managing the city’s many community gardens, providing food literacy programs to youth and working with the community to develop Richmond’s food network.
However, like many volunteer-run organizations of its kind, they are constantly searching for new blood to infuse onto their board of directors.
And they’re hoping to see new faces appearing on screen at their forthcoming virtual AGM.
“People are leaving, which is normal, there’s always some coming and coming. We ask people to be on for two years, some stay a lot longer,” explained RFSS' vice-president Norm Goldstein.
“There are fresh challenges with the pandemic; it has been difficult to get our grants, so it’s always good to get fresh ideas and fresh perspectives.
“It’s always a challenge to get volunteers and to get volunteers with knowledge.
“But we’re a great bunch of people to work with and if food security and community is dear to your heart, then you should definitely take a look and maybe take part in our virtual AGM.”
This year, RFSS embarked on a new strategic plan on how to best serve Richmond, with a goal to provide education, services and policy that strengthen Richmond’s access to healthy and local food over a sustainable period of time.
As an example, RFSS’ passionate staff and volunteers have been able to work with community partners to provide 500 meals every week to vulnerable Richmond families during this crisis.
“We don’t know when the next crisis will impact our ability to put food on our tables. That is why we are looking for new directors who can help steer the direction of RFSS going forward,” added Goldstein.
If you are interested in finding out more about the RFSS, and/or are interested in joining as a director, email director@richmondfoodsecurity.org or log onto https://www.richmondfoodsecurity.org/
