Our vision is to foster community-based food systems that are equitable and ecologically-regenerative, resulting in food sovereignty for all of the diverse communities in the Bow Valley.
Who We Are
The Bow Valley Food Alliance (BVFA) is a regional organization of passionate citizens and professionals dedicated to addressing food security. BVFA addresses issues regarding access to affordable, healthy and fresh food in a coordinated way from the continental divide to the foothills along the Bow River corridor (from Lake Louise, ID9, Banff, Canmore, Exshaw, MD of Bighorn to Morley and Stoney Nakoda Nations).
Supported by the Town of Banff, discussions began in 2013. Then a more formalized action group took shape in 2016. By 2020, the BVFA became an independent non-profit society to better serve the diverse needs of this unique valley and communities.
BVFA supports small and growing local food producers, ranchers and processors. BVFA encourages equitable, sustainable practices at all points of the food system. In doing so, we will strengthen the community’s connection to food and achieve a thriving, healthy, environmentally- and socially-engaged community.
Our Mission
We are a network committed to creating local food systems that are healthy, socially-just, collaborative, diverse, and accessible. These food systems are based in vibrant regional economies, respect for the earth and environment, reconciliation, intergenerational knowledge, system innovation and education.
Medicine Walk and Tea Workshop at the Whyte Museum
What We Do
Connecting people – facilitating and strengthening interactions, identifying community needs and gaps & creating responsive and relevant initiatives to tackle them; bringing people together, starting from what exists
Coordinating efforts - to make the best use of our resources, accessing mutual funding and volunteer opportunities
Advocating for change – speaking with one voice to change policies and challenge the status quo i.e. the belief that access to affordable, healthy food will always be limited in the Bow Valley
Educating – increasing awareness & knowledge in the broader community, by serving as content experts in community food security
Inspiring action – leading by example, generating momentum & empowering community leaders, creating a replicable model
