While travelling abroad, Founder and Chair Alan Levine tasted locally grown greens harvested just steps away. The flavour was unexpectedly powerful and left him wondering why food at home rarely tasted this alive.
The search for answers transformed his diet and revealed the profound connection between food, health, and the environment. Alan became determined to change how ordinary shoppers think about food and how it’s grown.
Early on Alan began working with Sarah Heynen, who now serves as Executive Director. Together, they recognized a wide network of people, organizations, and enterprises already working toward healthier and more regenerative food futures. They also saw an opportunity to learn from this ecosystem and to help strengthen and connect it.
The CCFE was established as a charity in 2024. The organization brings together expertise in food systems, behavioural science, community engagement, market research, and entrepreneurship. Its approach of pilot, adapt and scale ensures that growth is guided by results and grounded in evidence.
