The KFL&A region’s Food Sharing Project officially welcomed a new Executive Director last week, its previous director retiring after 7 years in the position.
Yu Jier Kou officially stepped into the role late last week with former Executive Director Andy Mills remaining during the transition period to offer any support needed.
She says she and Mills have worked closely for some time in preparation for an official transition.
“Andy and I have been joking that we’ve been acting as co-EDs for a little bit,” Kou said.
Yu Jier Kou’s background before joining the Food Sharing Project involves a long history in the not for profit sector, including charities that work with food security, and says her past work has at times seen her collaborating with the Food Sharing Project.
She sees the shift into this new role as relatively seamless.
“It was a pretty natural fit I would say,” Kou said.
“When I was working at some of our local foundations, we were a strong community partner with the Food Sharing Project… a lot of my work previously has been about supporting those that are most vulnerable in our community.”
In a news release, the organization’s Chair Brenda Moore credited Mills for his 7 years of leadership but said they look forward to what Yu Jier will bring as leader.
“Andy’s leadership carried us through years of unprecedented growth, including challenges such as the pandemic, and his impact will be felt for years to come,” Moore said.
“At the same time, we are excited to welcome Yu Jier. Her background in community coordination, partnership engagement and program development tell us she understands what this work means to the children and schools we serve.”
The Food Sharing Project serves 88 schools across the KFL&A region, serving 16,000 students a year – delivering an average of 10 tonnes and $25,000 in packaged lunches to schools on a weekly basis.
The organization has operated for over 40 years in the region.
