BOW VALLEY – A $90,000 donation will go towards helping the Bow Valley Food Alliance increase its capacity-building work by hiring extra staff to advocate for a secure and resilient food system.
The donation is intended to help hire educators to work in the Bow Valley to engage members to raise awareness and increase support.
The Wim and Nancy Pauw Foundation gave the donation, which has provided Bow Valley Food Alliance (BVFA) with more than $230,000 since 2021.
“Ensuring a secure food system is essential for the vitality of every community, including the Bow Valley,” said Cathy Geisler, executive director of the Wim and Nancy Pauw Foundation in a media release.
“With this donation, we emphasize our commitment to the Bow Valley Food Alliance (BVFA) and hope it motivates others to unite in supporting families and individuals in our communities.”
The Wim and Nancy Pauw Foundation was founded in 2013 and is a private foundation in Banff funded by profits of Banff Caribou Properties Ltd. and Banff Lodging Company.
BVFA works with more than 40 organizations to advocate for food security in the Bow Valley through public events, educational programs and outreach.
The organization has a food charter, with the Town of Canmore, Improvement District No. 9 and Town of Banff as municipal members, as well as several public and private organizations.
The charter aims to strengthen local food systems and programs to better address food affordability concerns and accessibility. It also helps with policy guidance for elected officials.
BVFA was established in 2016, with the mission to address and advocate for food concerns in the region.
Its goals include support for community-based food systems and food security issues that are faced by residents.
“This support acts as a driving force for the BVFA, empowering us to grow our team and further our mission of cultivating a food system founded on reciprocity and meaningful connections,” said Lou Doyon, communications coordinator for BVFA in a media release.
“Thanks to this donation, BVFA can generate momentum, establish strong community connections, educate individuals and advocate for the well-being of people throughout the Bow Valley.”
