Community Healthcaring Kitchener-Waterloo

EAT WELL SPEND LESS

Eat Well Spend Less is a community program dedicated to promoting healthy cooking, meal preparation, nutrition education, food safety, food access, and budget-friendly cooking practices. The program utilizes resources like the Canada Food Guide and Unlocked Food Canada to empower participants with knowledge and skills for making nutritious, cost-effective food choices. Weekly hands-on cooking classes are a core component of the program, aimed at enhancing food literacy. Participants also gain access to on-site demonstration gardens and a community fridge while learning about other food insecurity programs.

PURPOSE

The Eat Well Spend Less Program Assistant plays a vital role in providing both direct and indirect support to the Health and Wellness team. Group programs serve as a platform for community members to develop healthy lifestyle skills, self-management strategies, and stronger social connections. This position is an excellent opportunity to make a positive impact on the community by helping individuals and families develop essential skills related to food access, nutrition, cooking, and budget management.

BENEFITS TO VOLUNTEER

• Develop skills in nutrition education and budget-friendly cooking.
• Gain experience in program facilitation.
• Support efforts to reduce food insecurity and promote healthy living.
• Work in a diverse and inclusive environment.
• Build social connections.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

As an Eat Well Spend Less Program Assistant, your responsibilities encompass various tasks that contribute to the overall success and impact of the program:

1. Greet program participants warmly as they arrive and provide clear directions to the program area. Ensure they feel comfortable and welcome.

2. Foster a friendly, inclusive, and safe environment during program sessions. Offer support, encouragement, and positive feedback to participants. Promote a sense of belonging and social inclusion among all participants.

3. Assist program participants in completing program evaluations in a non bias manner.

4. Support administrative duties such as photocopying materials and posting flyers.

5.  Actively provide feedback and suggestions to the Health and Wellness team for program enhancement.

QUALIFICATIONS /REQUIRED SKILLS

• Ability to work effectively with culturally and economically diverse individuals, while accommodating a wide range of abilities. Demonstrate commitment to fostering equity, inclusion, and diversity.
• Must complete a Vulnerable Sector Police Record Check.

SUPERVISION

• Each volunteer will be assigned a staff supervisor.
• The staff super supervisor or another designated staff will be available (either in person or by phone) if a question or issue arises.

ORIENTATION/TRAINING

1. Complete the Volunteer Application Form.
2. Volunteers are required to submit the following before beginning their position: Vulnerable Sector Police Check, Proof of Covid-19 Vaccination, 2 References.
3. Complete orientation training modules and read required policies. Approximately 5 hours will be required to complete this training.

EVALUATION

• Volunteers receive ongoing performance feedback from their staff supervisor and/or volunteer coordinator. Volunteers can provide and request feedback as required.
• Volunteers are encouraged to participate in an annual volunteer experience survey.

TIME COMMITMENT, REQUIRED HOURS & LOCATION

Required Hours: Mondays from 1:00 pm-3:00 pm

Location: 44 Francis Street South, Kitchener