Organization Background

The Richmond Food Bank has been in operation since 1983, providing services to the community of Richmond, ranging from necessities such as food, hygiene products and daycare services to 1500 people weekly. As a non-profit organization, no government aid is received. For every $1 that is donated, $6 worth of perishable food items are distributed to the visitors of the food bank. With various programs such as the Ageless Volunteerism program, Community Information Table and the Play and Learn program, there is a diverse group of individuals involved in enriching the experience at the Richmond Food Bank.

Purpose

The main purpose of the Richmond food bank is to provide the struggling families with nutritious food choices and various kinds of support. Regardless of income, illnesses, or disabilities, the Richmond Food Bank serves its clients with objectivity and care, while maintaining confidentiality.

Vision

“A caring community where no one goes hungry.”

Project Scope and Goals

After our second site visit to the Richmond Food Bank on February 5, we have identified the scope of our project upon observing the flow of traffic during distribution hours. Instead of expanding the office space, our team is now responsible for a design that will optimize the wellness centre space. This area provides information to new immigrants regarding health care, education, among other community promotions. Social workers and retired nurses occasionally occupy this area to connect with the clients of the food bank, and provide other free health services such as measuring blood pressure.

A problem that has been identified is the lack of space in this area and the overcrowding of pamphlets on the few tables at the wellness centre. As an informative corner, it is important to not overwhelm the visitors with information.

Our team has come up with some design considerations. We may possibly move the shelves lined up against the walls upstairs to the second floor to accommodate for more space.

Constraints

While optimizing the wellness center we need to consider the negotiable and non-negotiable constraints.

1. One of the primary non-negotiable constraints is the area allocated for the wellness center.
2. The area we are allowed to occupy is approximately 64 inches by 120 inches.
3. Since the Richmond Food Bank is funded by donations, the budget is limited.

With respect to negotiable constraints, our team has been given free reign with the design of the wellness area as long as it does not disturb the flow of traffic. Furniture may be relocated elsewhere.

Our client is in the process of removing some of the cabinets behind the tables.

Strategies to Achieve Project Goals

In order to achieve the goals of the project, we decided to have weekly meetings where everyone will present their ideas, and we will discuss any further actions to take to meet the project deadline. After discussing potential solutions and identifying goals to meet, we will be assigning different roles to the team members.  Deadlines will be set in order to stay organized. Should any issues arise, we will be consulting our mentor, Wendy.