Who We Are

Capital Area Food Network is a community-led non-profit of Wake County citizens and organizations working together to support, sustain, and improve our local food system. We always welcome new voices and members interested in helping reach our mission:

To cultivate healthy individuals, communities, and economies through vibrant food and farm systems.

Our History

CAFN was developed out of the Raleigh Wake Urban Agriculture Working Group, a grassroots coalition interested in integrating urban agriculture into the City of Raleigh’s zoning code. Following the work of this urban ag group, a community-wide interest meeting was held in 2013 to discuss extending the community-based food policy collaborative that had emerged.

This interest meeting led to an 18-month task force phase led by a group of 12 passionate volunteers from various backgrounds, with expert facilitation by the Center for Environmental Farming Systems. This task force developed the groundwork for the creation of The Capital Area Food Network, which launched in 2015 at a community meeting held at The Irregardless Cafe in Raleigh.

Our Structure

CAFN is comprised of several working groups, or circles, that focus on specific areas of the Wake County food system. CAFN’s circles are connected through our Coordinating Circle and all governed by shared values of improving equity, food justice, and local resilience. CAFN supports the full integration and implementation of race equity and resident engagement across all the many inter-related aspects of the food system. Our circles and their projects evolve to meet the needs of our community, as represented by our current circles: the Community Garden Network, Economic Development + Policy, Farmland Preservation, Food Access + Nutrition, Food Procurement, Food Recovery, and Health Circle.

Learn more below to find a circle that aligns with your interests and talents, and fill out our interest form to get involved!