Our Role

Our belief in the power of Collective Impact for social change informs work that we do and shapes the strategies that we are using to achieve our objectives. The focus of CRFAIR as an organization is around two distinct but related spheres of activity:

  1. Provide Backbone Support for the Good Food Network

  2. Undertake high value, meaningful projects that are consistent with our Vision, Mission and Values

Our Direction

  • Vision: A region where local, sustainable and healthy food is celebrated, abundant and central to the cultures, health and well-being of residents

  • Mission: Mobilize and connect efforts to develop healthy, equitable and sustainable food systems in the Capital Region

Long Term Goals

  • Increased local, sustainable production and distribution of food

  • Decreased waste in the local food system

  • Full, equitable access to nutritious food for all residents of the Capital Region

  • Policies, bylaws and regulations that support local, sustainable and healthy food systems

  • Increased culture that embraces local, sustainable, healthy food

  • Decreased amount of food transported into the region for local consumption

Our Services

CRFAIR acts as a regional backbone organization and offers a range of services to community organizations, government, and industry:

  • Development of shared outcomes and metrics

  • Participatory action research

  • Communications and knowledge mobilization

  • Engagement of diverse actors in planning, policy development and action projects

  • Mobilization of resources

The CRFAIR staff and contractor team works under the guidance of a deep and diverse leadership team. CRFAIR builds partnership and support related to its strategic plan, and considers undertaking specific projects that align with this plan.

The types of contract work that the CRFAIR team can facilitate include:

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  • Engagement processes

  • Research and reporting

  • Policy review and development

  • Meeting facilitation

  • Creative, fun, inspired events

To inquire about potential service provision please contact: info@crfair.ca

Testimonials

“We are thrilled at the leadership your organization continues to show in moving our region towards food sovereignty and a sustainable food system. The tangible outcomes achieved so far, and the coordination of the many stakeholders, is excellent work.”
— Sandra Richardson, CEO, Victoria Foundation

CRFAIR promotes healthy and sustainable food systems.  This considers our relationships with each other, and the land and waters of this region.  We endeavour to honour the land and its treaties by strengthening our relationship and responsibilities to them. We live and work on unceded Coast Salish Territories*, specifically of the Lək̓ʷəŋən (Songhees) and Xwsepsum (Esquimalt) Nations here in the core area, the W̱SÁNEĆ Nations {W̱JOȽEȽP (Tsartlip), BOḰEĆEN (Pauquachin), SȾÁUTW̱,(Tsawout) W̱SIKEM (Tseycum)} out on the Saanich Peninsula and Gulf Islands, to the west Sc'ianew (Beecher Bay), T’Sou-ke, and Pacheedaht, and MÁLEXEȽ (Malahat) and Pune’laxutth’ (Penelekut) Nations.

The presence of settlers (non-Indigenous peoples who live on these lands) is not neutral; it has had and continues to have devastating impacts on many aspects of life for Indigenous peoples. Many of our practices, including the seeds we plant, the ways we educate, and our methods of growing food came to these lands through the ongoing process of colonialism. Settler colonialism has suppressed local well-being by harming Lekwungen and W̱SÁNEĆ food systems, whether they be land-based or of the sky and sea. We hold this understanding in our interactions and engagements with this land and its people. 

There is important work being done by many nations and allies to ensure the continued thriving of these food systems, communities, and knowledge systems. Those of us who are settlers need to recognize that our knowledge and way of doing things may not be the priority as we work towards food security for everyone in this region.

* The term Coast Salish is used to encompass a number of Indigenous peoples, including Esquimalt, Hul’qumi’num, Klahoose, Lekwungen, MALAXEt, Musqueam, OStlq’emeylem, Pentlatch, Scia’new (Beecher Bay), Sliammon, Shishalh, Skxwú7mesh-ulh Úxwumixw, Stó:lo, Straits, Tsleil-Waututh, T’Sou-ke, W̱SÁNEĆ, and Xwemalhkwu.