December 18, 2020 – The SOOKE REGION COMMUNITIES HEALTH NETWORK (SRCHN) has worked to create a strong partnership of groups concerned with serving Sooke Region communities and promoting health and wellness.
In collaboration with the District of Sooke, SRCHN is facilitating a Food Security Consultation throughout the Sooke Region. This consultation process is funded by the Union of BC Municipalities. The objective is to better understand the food security issues in the region. We wish to hear from community members from Beecher Bay to Port Renfrew what their present food security needs are and if they have changed under COVID, gauge the impact of the pandemic, map past and existing food supports in the area and explore potential initiatives. The information gathered will help inform the District of Sooke with their ongoing Official Community Plan 2020-2021 and direct relevant service provision in the region.
The consultation process will be in two stages. The first stage will include two online surveys: one survey is requesting participation from all community members to provide their input anonymously about their general situation and contribute ideas that may improve them. Paper surveys for community members will be made available at relevant food distribution sites, so as not to exclude those that may not have access to the internet. The second online survey is directed towards food service providers in the region, which aims to map out service provision as well as observations around the pandemic and any new needs that may have arisen. The two surveys have been launched and will close on December 31st.
The second stage of consultation will take place through small focus groups and interviews to encourage more expansive answers to questions on food security and poverty reduction. These focus groups and interviews may take place in person under COVID safe conditions and through online or telephone opportunities.
This is a chance to make your voice heard. All information collected during this consultation will be recorded in an anonymous manner. No identities will be shared, so you are free to come with your opinions. What is important is gathering accurate information that is representative of the current state of food security in the Sooke Region.
A final written report will be made available in early spring 2021.
For more information or to participate in our focus groups in January, kindly contact Christine Bossi, SRCHN coordinator by email: srchn@sookeregionchn.org or call/text: 250-858-3458. To complete the survey, please visit the SRCHN website.
Contact:
Christine Bossi, Project Coordinator, Sooke Region Communities Health Network
Call/text: 250-858-3458
Email: srchn@sookeregionchn.org
