The Pacific Immigrant Resources Society (PIRS) in collaboration with the Institute for Sustainable Food Systems (ISFS) at Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) are conducting a study on local food access among newcomers to Canada in the Metro Vancouver area. The main goals of this project are (1) to advance our understanding of food access, need, and their interest in local food system participation, and (2) to create dialogues among key stakeholders to support newcomers in their journeys through a new food environment.
Results from this study will help provide information on unique needs and barriers to local food access faced by newcomers. The knowledge gained from this study will contribute to the ongoing efforts by service provider organizations (SPOs) to design and implement programs and resources to appropriately serve refugees and immigrants in need.
Research Methodology
The study is divided into three phases:
- Phase One: Newcomers' experiences (Data collection through survey and focus group discussions to investigate newcomers' challenges and barriers in food access and their interests in local food system participation)
- Phase Two: Local government and Service Provider Organizations' policies and activities (Conducting in-depth interviews with key stakeholders such as planners and staff from service provider organizations to provide an overview of current policy environment and supports offered to newcomers)
- Phase three: Creating dialogues on newcomers and the local food systems (Forming the Immigrant Women Food Policy group and hosting a series of dialogues to disseminate research results and further the discussions)
Research Updates
- Phase 1 Results presentation recording
- Phase 1 Summary result infographics
- Phase 2 Policy brief - Newcomers' Unique Experience with Food Insecurity: What needs to be done? - is featured in the Plan Canada Summer 2023 issue.
- Phase 3 networking events - Newcomers, Food Insecurity and Pathways Forward: Round Table Discussions are hosted in Surrey and Vancouver on April 26, May 16 and Aug 24.
- Phase 3 outreach videos:
New entrant farmers and newcomers, featuring PIRS and the KPU Farm Schools participants
Immigrant farming project, featuring ZICUSO BC
- Phase 3 Final report is ready!
Local food system safety net and newcomers.pdf
Contact Information:
Principal Investigator: Dr. Wallapak Polasub, ISFS
Co-principal Investigator: Ms. Anastasia Gaisenok, PIRS
Research assistants: Ms. Emily Burkholder and Ms. Beth Clark
This project is supported in part by funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council, Vancouver Foundation, and Metrovancouver
