Richmond Food Security Society receives provincial BCRPA award

06 May 2021

The Richmond Food Security Society (RFSS) has been awarded the 2021 British Columbia Recreational and Parks Association (BCRPA) Provincial Award for Community Leadership for their innovative meal program and partnership with the City of Richmond. The Food Hub program saw 4,000 pounds of donated food re-purposed into 500 ready-made weekly meals for at-risk community members from May to December 2020.

“The City entered into a formal partnership with the Richmond Food Security Society in 2010 which has played a key role in expanding the food security system across our city,” said Mayor Malcolm Brodie. “This award is an acknowledgement of the positive impact working together has in strengthening our community and its resources.”

In response to growing concerns about food insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic, RFSS worked to advance this meal initiative within their food security program. Four volunteer chefs joined the program, which continues to operate out of the City-owned Terra Nova Red Barn.

The BCRPA award recognizes outstanding leadership by an individual or organization that effectively acts to build a healthier, more vibrant community. The announcement was made at this year’s virtual BCRPA Annual general Meeting and Provincial Awards Presentation on Wednesday, May 5, 2021.

RFSS is working towards engaging a resilient local food system in Richmond through education, advocacy and community-building initiatives. Their vision of “healthy people, community and environment”, is achieved through the facilitation of five ongoing community programs: Community Gardens, Seed Library, Fruit Recovery, Get Rooted Youth and Kids in the Garden.

“The relationship between RFSS and the City is truly unique and is built upon years of incremental steps that have included input from all levels of staff,” said Executive Director of RFSS, Ian Lai. “We feel supported in our endeavours to create change while meeting the needs of the community”.

Four awards in total were presented this year. Find out more at https://www.bcrpa.bc.ca/membership/provincial-awards/.