BCCDC Food Skills for Families Program

Facilitator Role & Application

 

The British Columbia Centre for Disease Control’s Food Skills for Families program is hosted in various settings throughout what is colonially known as British Columbia, and across diverse communities and populations, including First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples. We are grateful to all Indigenous people who have cared for and nurtured the lands, air and waters around us for all time, and continue to do so.

Through learning and acknowledging the truth of our shared past with Indigenous peoples, the BCCDC moves towards reconciling with our history as occupiers of the land and contributors to ongoing colonization. We acknowledge the past and current inequities experienced by Indigenous Peoples and are committed to advancing Indigenous-specific anti-racism and creating culturally safer environments.

Food Skills for Families Program

The Food Skills for Families (FSF) program at the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) has offered hands-on cooking skills and basic nutritional knowledge across the province of British Columbia (BC) since 2008. Facilitators deliver the program after completing the Facilitator Training Program, which is facilitated by FSF Mentors (previously known as Master Trainers).

The aim of the Food Skills program is to build healthier communities by:
1. Connecting people in the kitchen
2. Teaching & co-learning fun hands-on cooking skills
3. Making healthy eating accessible & meaningful

Facilitator Training Program

During the Facilitator Training program, participants learn how to teach the Food Skills for Families program through lessons and practical hands-on activities such as role playing. After completing the 3.5 day training, participants earn certification as FSF Facilitators. 

Training will include, activities and strategies on leading and organizing each of the six sessions laid out in the program's Facilitator Guide; including organizing a grocery store tour during session five, purchasing groceries ahead of each session, supporting participants in the completion of evaluation forms, communicating any issues with the Food Skills for Families team, and returning program evaluation forms to BCCDC once the program is complete

It is expected that potential facilitators bring with them previous facilitation experience and a keen interest and excitement about healthy eating, cooking and safe food handling. This includes having a basic knowledge of the Canada’s food guide and nutrition. Once trained, Facilitators work with the Food Skills for Families team to set up and facilitate programs within their community.

Following a Facilitator engagement in 2023, the training has been updated to allow Facilitators more agency in tailoring the program to communities, building connections, and fostering a sense of belonging. Facilitators will gain practical tools for running the program effectively while exploring alternate ways of accessing food through local and regional systems, with an emphasis on place-based learning that respects cultural integrity. This training empowers Facilitators with the skills and knowledge to lead impactful FSF programs that strengthen social connections and support community resilience through food.

Length of Training: The training program is 3.5 days; starting with a half day online, followed by 3 full days in-person.

After Taking the Facilitator Training

After completing the training, facilitators may begin delivering the FSF program. Facilitators are expected to run one program within the six months following the training. Support for additional programs is subject to availability.

Typically, support available will include:
  • Program Expenses: $500 to cover program-related expenses
  • Participant Handbooks: Handbooks for each participant to keep, containing all recipes cooked in class as well as helpful tip &, tricks and recipe modification.
  • Aprons: For each participant to use in class and keep
  • Program Materials: Other materials such as nametags, participant certificates, grocery store tote bags area available online and/or while supplies last.
  • Webinars + Newsletters: Facilitators are invited to join webinars that will keep you up-to-date on current food skills updates and keep you connected to fellow Facilitators around the province.
  • Admin Support: BCCDC Food Skills program staff are available by phone and email to provide additional support and guidance throughout the length of your program.

Parts of this Application

  1. Previous Experience with Food Skills Program
  2. Applicant Details
  3. Facilitator Requirements
  4. Time Commitment
  5. Facilitator Role - Responsibilities
  6. Facilitator Role - Expectations
  7. Certificates & Documents
  8. Applicant Details: Address


This application may take 15 - 30 mins to complete.

Privacy Note

The BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) takes your privacy and confidentiality seriously. Your personal information is collected in accordance with section 26 (e) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act to improve health promotion programs at BCCDC. Access to your information is limited to the survey administrators and the technical support team at Checkbox. Once submitted, the answers you provide will be combined, and the cumulative results will be analyzed by the Food Skills team. You will not be personally identified in any reports, presentations, or publications that describe these results. We may use direct quotations from your responses (in a form that does not identify you) in future BCCDC related publications (e.g. news articles, annual Food Skills program evaluation).

Questions about your information or this survey may be directed to the Survey Administrator: Food Skills for Families Program, 655 West 12th, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4R4, foodskillsbc@bccdc.ca.