Ripple Effect of Inclusion

The Cause

Volunteering makes an immeasurable difference in the lives of volunteers and to the people that benefit from volunteering. Unfortunately, some individuals face barriers that do not allow them to volunteer. Our idea is to support individuals to address barriers to be able to volunteer at the Stone Soup Food Center.

Stone Soup Food Center is a food rescue. Food is from grocery stores that is past the "Best before Date" or has damaged packaging; and un-tabled food from local restaurants . Volunteers pick up the food, weigh the food and sort the food. Food that is good for human consumption is distributed to people weekdays from 1:00 – 4:00 pm. The remaining food is used for animal fee or composting. There are also learning opportunities to learn about growing and sharing locally produced food. From Jan-Aug 2024 – 71,040 pounds of food have been kept out of landfills and has provided food to 490 humans per month. Stone Soup is operated by volunteers and managed by Community Learning Adult Student Society.

Volunteering gives others a hand up; but in addition, volunteers benefit in numerous ways:
- Improve physical & mental health
- Gain a sense of purpose by using skills and experience
- Increased social interaction & belonging
- Stress reduction
- Increased self esteem
- Reduce depression and increase emotional well being
- Increased satisfaction by contributing
- Builds resilience and able to cope with challenges and setbacks

Barriers prevent people from volunteering. Different individuals face different challenges. Transportation is a big barrier. Not being able to get to and from Lac La Biche. Communication, not having access to phones. For some it is fear of failure or not meeting expectations. For some having mental illness need to feel safe and supported. All volunteers need to be provided with training and support to be able to succeed at the job assigned.

What is needed is volunteer coordinator who would be responsible for recruitment, training, and activities to support retention. The coordinator would target individuals that face barriers to volunteering.

Who Will it Benefit?

This project benefit volunteers – target those who face barrier, the recipients who use Stone Soup, the environment by reducing the food waste going to landfills, farmers who get feed for animals, and individuals who get food for compost.

By supporting those individuals that face barrier to volunteer at Stone Soup, research shows:
• physical and mental health improve
• Develops confidence and increases self-esteem.
• Gaining a sense of pride and a place to belong.
• Reduces stress
• Combats depression, anxiety & loneliness

Volunteers gain skills that could be transferred to employment opportunities. Attend workshops and training that increase self worth. Volunteers select tasks that they feel comfortable in completing. Training and support it provided to ensure success. There are regular meetings and checklists to ensure that volunteers are supported

The Recipients of Rescued Food
Stone Soup is run entirely by volunteers. There are a variety of tasks that require different amounts of time and skills. People can come and select the food that is available. Stone Soup is open to everyone so there is no stigma attached or barriers to select food. Approximately 500 people per month eat the the annual 65,000 pounds of food.

The Environment
71,040 pounds of food were kept out of local landfills during this year. The food that was not suitable for human consumption goes to animals or is composted.