Atlantic Food Action Coalition
Mission: To connect people, organizations, and projects within Atlantic Canadian food systems to foster food security, sovereignty and sustainability through collaboration and connection.Vision: Connected, collaborative Atlantic Canadian food systems.
About Us
The Atlantic Food Action Coalition is an alliance of individuals and organizations from across Atlantic Canada who are committed to building robust regional food systems.We are committed to working together to share knowledge, resources and solutions to create more equitable and sustainable food systems for all.By creating a collective voice, we can amplify our efforts for change. We can leverage the strengths of each region to support others, sharing what is working, what gaps need to be filled, and the challenges.Together, we can co-create thriving local food systems that provide everyone access to healthy, affordable and culturally appropriate food.
Dig In 2.0 Atlantic Food Systems Summit
Dig In 2.0 is being held November 22-24, 2024 in Charlottetown, PEI (Epekwitk)!
Building on lessons from Dig In 1, Dig In 2.0 aims to shift from education and awareness towards building collaboration and solidarity among food systems actors across Atlantic Canada. We believe in-person gatherings are invaluable in an effort to build on existing relationships, foster new collaborations, and spend time learning from each other’s successes and challenges to create stronger, more resilient food systems across the region.Dig In 2.0 Objectives:- Foster collaboration and the strengthening of partnerships (new and existing) among food systems actors across Atlantic Canada- Engage food systems actors to enhance equity, resilience, and sustainability by enacting alternative models of food systems- Amplify, scale, replicate, or leverage the work of existing food-systems projects and organizationsFood systems stakeholders from all four provinces from various sectors including farmers, fishers, processors, distributors, retailers, policymakers, nonprofits, community groups, government representatives, individuals, etc. will engage in discussions to learn about one another’s successes and challenges with a goal of breaking down silos to build stronger networks of support and cooperation.By sharing knowledge and resources, the summit seeks to foster the continued creation of more resilient and interconnected food systems that can better withstand economic, environmental, and social changes & challenges. Attendees will have the opportunity to forge new partnerships and strengthen existing ones, fostering a sense of community & mutual support.For more information and to register, visit the Dig In website: https://foodsummit.ca/ | Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/dig-in-20-atlantic-canada-food-systems-summit-tickets-1003048142997?aff=oddtdtcreator
Our Story
About Us
The Atlantic Food Action Coalition is an alliance of individuals and organizations from across Atlantic Canada who are committed to building robust regional food systems.We are committed to working together to share knowledge, resources and solutions to create more equitable and sustainable food systems for all.By creating a collective voice, we can amplify our efforts for change. We can leverage the strengths of each region to support others, sharing what is working, what gaps need to be filled, and the challenges.Together, we can co-create thriving local food systems that provide everyone access to healthy, affordable and culturally appropriate food.
Become an AFAC Member or Associate
Why Become A Member?
The Atlantic Food Action Coalition (AFAC) is a “network of networks” that connects organizations working on food at a systems level. We amplify the impact of these networks at the regional and national levels and foster deeper connections between organizations throughout Atlantic Canada.
Membership in AFAC is open to nonprofit organizations with mandates related to food systems including: Indigenous organizations, food policy councils/groups, informal (unincorporated) network organizations, academic groups with a food systems focus, commodity groups, industry associations within the food system, and trade unions that represent workers in the food
system.
Becoming a member means that your organization can be a part of setting AFAC’s agenda, primarily through electing (and being eligible to serve on) the Board of Directors. This is especially impactful right now, in the early days of AFAC’s formation. Members will be connected to other organizations across the region to exchange resources, knowledge and experiences, build partnerships, and extend the reach of AFAC’s network.
While only those organizations outlined above can be members of AFAC, individuals (including academics) and other types of organizations (e.g., businesses without publicly traded stock, government departments and
agencies) can become associates. Associates will receive more frequent communication from AFAC about the work being undertaken by the organization and its members. If you’re interested in staying in touch with food systems work across Atlantic Canada, this is the place for you.AFAC MEMBERSHIP / ASSOCIATION
"Members"
● Members of AFAC generally represent a network of some kind
● Membership in AFAC is open to nonprofit organizations with mandates related to food systems including: Indigenous organizations, food policy councils/groups, informal (unincorporated) network organizations, academic groups with a food systems focus, commodity groups, industry associations within the food system, and trade unions that
represent workers in the food system
"Associates"
Open to individuals, businesses without publicly traded stock, government departments and agencies and academics.
● Non-voting
● Receive more frequent updates & invites to participate (than the
general public)
*If you are unsure which type of membership you fit into, please reach out to Liv at liv@centreforlocalprosperity.caPourquoi devenir membre ?
Coalition atlantique d'action en alimentation (CAAA) est un « réseau de réseaux » qui relie les organisations travaillant sur l’alimentation au niveau
systémique. Nous amplifions l’impact de ces réseaux aux niveaux régional et national et favorisons des liens plus profonds entre les organisations du
Canada atlantique.
L'adhésion à CAAA est ouverte aux organisations à but non lucratif dont les mandats sont liés aux systèmes alimentaires, notamment : les organisations autochtones, les conseils/groupes de politique alimentaire, les organisations
de réseaux informels (non constitués en société), les groupes universitaires axés sur les systèmes alimentaires, les groupes de produits, les associations
industrielles au sein du système alimentaire, et les syndicats qui représentent les travailleurs du système alimentaire.
Devenir membre signifie que votre organisation peut participer à
l’établissement du programme de CAAA, principalement en élisant (et en étant éligible pour siéger) au conseil d’administration. Cela a un impact particulièrement important en ce moment, aux premiers jours de la création de CAAA. Les membres seront connectés à d’autres organisations de la
région pour échanger des ressources, des connaissances et des expériences, établir des partenariats et étendre la portée du réseau de CAAA.Bien que seules les organisations décrites ci-dessus puissent être membres de CAAA, les particuliers (y compris les universitaires) et d'autres types d'organisations (par exemple, les entreprises sans actions cotées en bourse,
les ministères et agences gouvernementales) peuvent devenir associés. Les associés recevront des communications plus fréquentes de CAAA sur le travail entrepris par l'organisation et ses membres. Si vous souhaitez rester en contact avec le travail sur les systèmes alimentaires au Canada atlantique, cet endroit est fait pour vous.
ADHÉSION / ASSOCIATION À CAAA
“Membres”
● Les membres de CAAA représentent généralement un réseau quelconque
● L'adhésion à CAAA est ouverte aux organisations à but non lucratif dont les mandats sont liés aux systèmes alimentaires, notamment : les organisations autochtones, les conseils/groupes de politique
alimentaire, les organisations de réseaux informels (non constitués en société), les groupes universitaires axés sur les systèmes alimentaires, les groupes de produits, les associations industrielles au sein du
système alimentaire, et les syndicats qui représentent les travailleurs du système alimentaire
"Associés"
Ouvert aux particuliers, aux entreprises sans actions cotées en bourse, aux ministères et agences gouvernementaux et aux universitaires.
● Sans droit de vote
● Recevez des mises à jour et des invitations à participer plus fréquentes (que le grand public)
*Si vous ne savez pas à quel type d'adhésion vous appartenez, veuillez contacter Liv à liv@centreforlocalprosperity.ca
Our Story
Founding Organizations
The Atlantic Food Action Coalition (AFAC) aims to create a network of networks throughout Atlantic Canada with local food systems, change making organizations and individuals. Below are AFAC's founding organizations:
Contact Form
Contact Us:
We'd love to hear from you!
AFAC Board of Directors
President: Josh Smee (he/him) | Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Food First NLJoshua is a connector, advocate, and community-builder working to build stronger food systems in Newfoundland and Labrador.Joshua is the CEO of Food First NL, a provincial non-profit organization that works with communities in Newfoundland and Labrador to ensure everyone has access to affordable, healthy, and culturally appropriate food.Passionate about systems change and the power of collective action, Joshua has taken a lead role in many coalitions and campaigns.
Joshua co-chairs the provincial Food Security Working group with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and sat as a member of the province's Health Accord Task Force, tasked with a fundamental redesign of Newfoundland and Labrador's health system.Outside of work, Joshua is deeply engaged in work around civic engagement, local food, and the arts. As Chair of the St. John’s Farmer’s Market Cooperative, he helped lead the work to establish the city’s thriving, permanent community market.Joshua lives in the heart of downtown St. John’s with his partner, violinist Lauren, and their young daughter Tamsin. He spends just about every spare moment he has outdoors and has hiked every inch of the East Coast Trail, most of it many times over.
Treasurer: Maria Rodriguez (she/her)Dr. Maria Rodriguez (she/her) grew up in Venezuela and emigrated to Canada 30 years ago. She has a lifetime of experience in both national and international agricultural production systems, research, and policy. Maria recently retired from the federal public service, where she held a variety of responsibilities, most recently with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada as Manager, Science Policy and Partnerships. She holds an agriculture engineering degree from the Central University of Venezuela and a PhD in animal science from McGill University in Montreal. She lives in Montague, PEI.
Secretary: Gillian KerrGillian Kerr has worked within Canada's environment community for almost 30 years as an ecological economist and environmental policy expert. She is also an active researcher, teacher, supervisor, and champion of understanding the value of nature. Currently Gillian works at the Smart Prosperity Institute as a Senior Researcher and teaches at RRU.Before that, she worked for Alberta Environment for 12 years and has worked as an academic, consultant and within several areas of the environmental non-profit sector.
JILL VAN HORNE (she/her) Network Director | Food for all New BrunswickFormerly Network Coordinator with Our Food Southeast New Brunswick, Jill Van Horne also co-chaired Food For All’s steering committee from 2017-2019, contributed to initiatives as a regional partner, and had a hand in supporting and building initiatives focused on school food, food policy, and food access.Her work in the food scene has ranged from getting her hands dirty in the garden to bringing people together with elected officials to ensure that experiences and food issues are considered at decision-making tables.This work has helped Jill develop a deeper understanding of the challenges people face in New Brunswick and beyond and the opportunities to address them through a food lens; she knows she’s but scratched the surface on these topics.
JUSTIN CANTAFIO (he/him) Executive Director | Farmers Markets of Nova ScotiaJustin Cantafio is anchored by a steadfast belief in the power of small-scale, community-based businesses to build truly sustainable social and economic development. It’s what drove him to spend his master’s degree living and working on ten organic farms from Quebec to the Pacific Coast.He’s since helped with managing Atlantic Canada’s first sustainable seafood subscription program through Off the Hook Community Supported Fishery, worked with the Ecology Action Centre to spearhead a Canada-wide program to promote locally-sourced food in schools, universities, and hospitals, and connected small-scale fishers and aquaculturalists with high-value markets across Nova Scotia and beyond with Halifax’s Afishionado Fishmongers.When he’s not crafting up ideas to re-localize our economy and promote local businesses, you might find Justin running in the woods, cooking up big hearty meals with friends, or relaxing in his tiny cabin by the sea.
ROBERT CERVELLI (he/him) Senior Advisor/Consultant | Centre for Local ProsperityFor the past 35 years, Robert Cervelli has worked passionately to build community at the local, small and rural levels. His particular area of interest is in projects implementing innovative new tools for rebuilding economic resilience. With an entrepreneurial spirit and history, Robert understands the issues related to new business creation and the health of vibrant local economies.Robert is co-founder and senior advisor of the Centre for Local Prosperity, an organization working to re-localize rural economies and building climate readiness. The Centre is dedicated to promoting and inspiring practical blueprints for prosperous and healthy local economies. The Centre initiates conversations intended to encourage communities to begin a shift toward an economy that is properly scaled for the place, resulting in real action for change by creating a new climate for change. The Centre works alongside community groups, businesses and governments to identify opportunities and assess the risks in making the shift to a new economy, through the use of workshops, conferences, and targeted discussions.Robert is a co-founder and Chair of Transition Bay St. Margarets Bay, one of the first Transition Initiatives in the Maritimes. He has been a member of the E.F. Schumacher Society for over 25 years, has corresponded internationally and attended key international events on alternative economics.
