The SSFC was founded in the spring of 2011 as a not-for-profit initiative of the Sooke Transition Town Society and the JDF Cycling Coalition. We are recognized by Slow Food Vancouver Island & the Gulf Islands as an offically sanctioned Slow Food event. We’re also supported by a group of founding partners who share a similar vision of a community that is in greater balance with the environment, the seasons and the natural world.

Sooke Transition Town Society: Local residents committed to working with existing groups to make Sooke a more resilient, sustainable community that can respond to the challenges of climate change, peak oil, and global economic instability and inequity. The organization is initiative #346 in a world-wide network of transition communities. Other Transition Town communities in B.C. include Cowichan, Victoria, Nelson and Saltspring Island. http://sooketransition.org/

Juan de Fuca Cycling Coalition: The Sooke-based chapter of the British Columbia Cycling Coalition is dedicated to urban and developed trail riding. It promotes healthy, safe and enjoyable cycling through education (cyclists and motorists alike) while also working with local governments and organizations to improve cycling infrastructure. http://jdfcycle.blogspot.com

Slow Food Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands: Slow Food is a non-profit, eco-gastronomic member-supported organization that was founded in 1989 to counteract fast food and fast life, the disappearance of local food traditions and people’s dwindling interest in the food they eat, where it comes from, how it tastes and how our food choices affect the rest of the world. http://www.slowisland.ca/

Other founding partners/supporters:

Sooke Region Food CHI Society: Representing individuals, consumers and growers, Sooke Food CHI is dedicated to the regional farm community and citizen access to local, affordable and healthy food. The organization envisions a sustainable food culture rooted in viable local production, historical and First Nations knowledge, and environmental stewardship. http://www.sookefoodchi.ca

T’Sou-ke First Nation: The T’Sou-ke people have resided in this corner of southwestern B.C. for thousands of years living off the fruits of land and sea. In recent years, the band has built the province’s most effective solar energy plant. “It is now appropriate that First Nations take the lead in demonstrating how to live without fossil fuels once again,” says T’Sou-ke chief Gordon Planes. http://www.tsoukenation.com

Juan de Fuca Community Trails Society: A coalition of hikers, cyclists and equestrians encouraging appreciation and respect for the region’s natural environment through the stewardship of existing and future trails and parks. http://www.jdfcommunitytrails.ca/