Meet Bhumika, our Senior Advocacy and Engagement Specialist at Daily Bread Food Bank. Since joining the Research and Advocacy team in December 2024, she’s hit the ground running to use evidence-based approaches to inform her work.
What does a typical day look like in your role?
Some days it can be really varied, and on other days it can mean following different policy directions that the government is taking because that really is the crux of our work. Daily Bread has three advocacy pillars: affordable housing, decent work and income support, and it’s important for us to know what different levels of government are doing to support that vision. It can also include working with coalitions and partners to learn about the work they’re doing and how Daily Bread can support. Another aspect of my role is to leverage our member network to advocate for change. I engage with member agencies to learn directly from them what clients have experienced and what they need, and whether those needs can be filled by current policies.
What do you enjoy most about the work that you do?
I’m a people person. When I joined Daily Bread, one of the first things I asked was whether there would be an opportunity to engage with others. Not only is there an opportunity to speak to policy makers, but I’ve been able to connect with people who are doing great work on the ground, and I’m glad that this role involves that.
What has been your greatest professional achievement?
This is still ongoing, but it’s been creating opportunities for engagement. Having the opportunity to engage directly with member agencies and clients, and linking issues and gaps with policies that will hopefully create change. Change can only happen if you have the power of community leadership pushing for it and I strongly believe in the value that brings. Given that it’s only been a few months, I would say this is a milestone instead of an achievement.
What made you decide to join the Daily Bread team?
When I first started at Daily Bread, the food security sector was new to me, but what stood out was the advocacy work that was taking place. On a day to day basis this organization provides food to people who need it, but the space is also being leveraged for advocacy and creating meaningful change.
What are your hobbies?
I really enjoy listening to podcasts. My favourite is The Agenda, but I also really like listening to Front Burner. I love walking and I also just got a bike, so I’m really enjoying going out for rides.
What are people often surprised to learn about you?
Sometimes people think I’m docile and that I don’t speak much, but once they get to know me, they learn that I have a sense of humour and I actually do have a lot to say.
If you could be any animal, what would you be?
If I had to choose, I think maybe a bird. I’d love to fly and be free.
Thank you, Bhumika, for your dedication to advocating for change and ensuring everyone’s right to food is realized.
