A BIT ABOUT US
The Food Share Network was formed in 2013 in consultation with more than 40 community groups who recognized a need to collaborate on innovative approaches to increase food security in Greater Victoria. Today the network had grown to over 65 community agencies.
The Food Share Network is an innovative umbrella that enhances food security in the Capital Region through collaboration and cooperation among food banks, community centers, Indigenous organizations, schools, donors, and other community organizations. Participating organizations share the common values of empowerment, dignity and respect, food and community, stewardship, and collective impact. There is a broad consensus on shifting the focus toward food security and self-reliance as a means to create a healthier and more resilient population.
MEET OUR TEAM
KARA UDELL
Executive Director
With us since the spring of 2021, Kara maintains a leadership philosophy that is rooted in community; engaging passion, cultivating purpose, and empowerment. She brings her years of experience in the non-profit world to the forefront, as she shepherds our network towards growth and success.
MEET OUR MEMBERS
ANAWIM HOUSE
The Anawim Companion Society believes that poverty and its effects can only be alleviated by healing the whole person. They are dedicated to overcoming poverty by becoming compassionate companions with the poor while providing for their needs. They offer friendship for friendship. Their commitment to fulfill this mission will reduce the powerlessness, suffering and alienation of poverty.
BELMONT SECONDARY
A SD62 school that strives to be a community where people feel inspired, acknowledged and supported.
Through rich and diverse programs, within an environment of mutual respect, and in cooperation with the community, they foster the attitudes, skills and knowledge which encourage individuals to risk the untried, and to be independent, life-long learners and productive citizens.
CAMOSUN COLLEGE STUDENT SOCIETY
The Camosun College Student Society (CCSS) was founded in 1990 by students to provide services to all students at Camosun College. The CCSS is an incorporated society and is independent from Camosun College. CCSS members are students of diverse backgrounds and all different ages, from 17-80+ that utilize their services.
EDWARD MILNE COMMUNITY SCHOOL
EMCS is one of three high schools in School District 62 (Sooke) located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island. EMCS is serving approximately 700 youth in the SD62 region.
FAIRFIELD GONZALES COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
This community organization supports any kind of household, families, individuals, seniors, people living with disabilities, and anyone who identified as food insecure. Through their various programs, they help tackle the issue of food insecurity in their community
FERNWOOD NEIGHBOURHOOD RESOURCE GROUP
Fernwood NRG is dedicated to improving the quality of life in Fernwood. Aside from food literacy and food security, they offer multiple services/programs that help guide the community towards success. They provide local events, childcare, and even affordable housing and employment opportunities.
GALIANO COMMUNITY FOOD PROGRAM
The Galiano Community Food Program strives to ensure that Galiano Island is a thriving, livable, food-secure community, where every resident feels included, welcome and empowered to build a deeper connect with their food system. Their programs seek to set an example that reaches beyond their local community and spread across the country.
JAMES BAY NEW HORIZONS
Providing accessible programs, services and volunteer opportunities to their members and to local residents in general. It is their goal to help people maintain, improve and develop new skills, interests and social opportunities, and to enhance the quality of life of members and visitors.
LIFECYCLES
Their mission is to build a resilient food system in Greater Victoria by growing, harvesting, and sharing food. Year after year, we strive to make a difference by caring for the land, empowering our community, and building momentum within the local food movement to continue to connect people with healthy food
ROYAL BAY SECONDARY SCHOOL
Royal Bay Secondary School is one of SD62's high schools working to increase student access to healthful food and food education opportunities.
SILVER THREADS SERVICE FOR SENIORS
Silver Threads Service has been operating in the community since 1956. They service seniors 55+ who are living independently in rental or subsidized housing. Their services, programs, and community partnerships have evolved to meet the changing needs of an ever-growing population of older seniors.
SONGHEES FIRST NATION
The lək̓ʷəŋən People, known today as the Esquimalt and Songhees Nations. As you travel through the city, you will find seven carvings that mark places of cultural significance. To seek out these markers is to learn about the land, its original culture, and the spirit of its people.
TSAWOUT FIRST NATION
Tsawout First Nations vision is the empowerment of their people, spiritually, intellectually, physically, and emotionally, by providing through mutual understanding a safe, open, and fair environment for their community. Appreciating their youth and valuing our elders through traditional teachings and cultural practices. Along this journey, they treat each other with respect, empathy, strength, pride, and equality.
Y YOUNG MOM'S PROGRAM
The Y Young Moms Program, operated by the YMCA-YWCA of Vancouver Island in partnership with the Kiwanis Club of Victoria, is a second stage supportive housing program. YMP offers safe, affordable housing for young mothers (aged 16-29) and their child under the age of five years, in 10 self-contained units.
OUR MISSION, VISION, VALUES, AND GUIDING PRINCIPLES
The Mission of the Food Share Network is to enhance food security in the Capital Region through collaboration and cooperation among an innovative umbrella of organizations including food banks, community centers, donors, and other participating organizations.
The Vision of the Food Share Network is that all residents of the Capital Region enjoy food security.
The Values of the Food Share Network are:
Empowerment - Self Sufficiency, Mutual Aid, Choice, Circles of Support
Dignity and Respect - Meeting people where they are at, Access to Local Food, Quality
Food and Community - Connections & Relationships, Learning, Culture, Opportunities to Contribute, Sharing
Stewardship - Accountability, Transparency, Best use of Resources
Collective Impact - Collaboration, Efficiency, Coordinated Services, Cooperation
The Guiding Principles of the Food Share Network are:
Enhanced partnership, collaboration, and cooperation among food serving organizations.
Improved efficiency and safety for people accessing non-profit food services, along with strengthened community links and access to resources that support self-sufficiency.
Increased involvement of people served in creating food security and food literacy.
Improved quality and suitability of food services, with increased provision of fresh, local, organic, and culturally appropriate food.
Improved coordination of food distribution, with greater efficiency for donors and service providers.
Improved environmental performance of non-profit food operations.
Respectful of existing donor and recipient relationships.