The Alberni Valley Food Security Society works to foster inter-agency collaboration and local engagement that supports initiatives moving towards greater access to local food in the community. AVFSS prioritizes actions that promote local food production and recovery, community education, relationship building and aligned governance.
The organization strives towards a Food Secure Alberni Valley: when all people, at all times, have access to nutritious, safe, personally acceptable and culturally appropriate foods, produced in ways that are environmentally sound and socially just. The Alberni Valley Food Security Society partners on a wide variety of community-led initiatives as well as facilitating several unique programs including our community gardens, The Gleaning Project and Grow Local which comprises of school gardens support, informational gardening teachings, public workshops, and community events.
The AVFSS operates within the ancestral, unceded and traditional territory of the Hupacasath and Tseshaht First Nations. We seek to increase our understanding of Indigenous food systems and respectfully acknowledge the keepers of this land.
\ Hub Lead: Alberni Valley Food Security Society
As the manager of the Alberni Valley Food Security Society, Anna works to strengthen local food security and sovereignty. In her role, she participates in initiatives that bring appropriate access to food for all members of her community. Anna has dedicated expertise in the areas of food security, agriculture, policy change, climate change and comprehensive community development. She is passionate about the tremendous impact of food and believes collaboration is key to maximizing the impact of every intention.
Anna is deeply involved in many efforts that create and preserve deep relationships within the Alberni Valley. Her work has created sustainable opportunities for equitable involvement and positive impact in the community. She lives, works, and plays in the Alberni Valley, acknowledging it as the traditional lands of the Hupačasath and Tseshaht First Nations.
anna@avfood.caHélène is a Public Health dietitian with Island Health. She works at promoting health through food and nutrition in Oceanside, Alberni Valley and West Coast and supports the work of food hubs in this area. Hélène acknowledges the territories of Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations (Southern & Central Regions) as well as Qualicum First Nations where she is so grateful to be able to live, work and play. She acknowledges and respects the Nations’ traditions that are based strongly on the land of their ancestors and oral history passed down from preceding generations. Hélène commits to continue to learn the culture these Indigenous Nations embrace.
Her community nutrition role encompasses a broad set of activities including nutrition education, nutrition and health promotion as well as assessment and planning to meet communities’ needs to access a safe, adequate and healthful diet. She especially enjoys translating general nutrition recommendations into action and is passionate about working with her communities to support food and nutrition security.
Island Health: Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District
helene.dufour@islandhealth.ca
250-731-1315
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