Community Programs - Eat Well Spend Less Program Volunteer

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

Schedule Summary

The next 10 shifts (out of 16 total shifts) for this activity are as follows


Date Start Time End Time
Monday, December 16, 2024 1:00 PM 3:00 PM
Monday, December 23, 2024 1:00 PM 3:00 PM
Monday, December 30, 2024 1:00 PM 3:00 PM
Monday, January 06, 2025 1:00 PM 3:00 PM
Monday, January 13, 2025 1:00 PM 3:00 PM
Monday, January 20, 2025 1:00 PM 3:00 PM
Monday, January 27, 2025 1:00 PM 3:00 PM
Monday, February 03, 2025 1:00 PM 3:00 PM
Monday, February 10, 2025 1:00 PM 3:00 PM
Monday, February 17, 2025 1:00 PM 3:00 PM