In support of its mission, CAFS invites its members to propose Working Groups focused on a particular topic.

The purpose of Working Groups is to facilitate increased collaboration and communication among scholars and practitioners in a field of study or practice that falls under the CAFS umbrella (food studies, broadly construed). CAFS is particularly supportive of Working Groups that are interdisciplinary, that focus on emerging or neglected areas of study, and that encourage interactions among academics, practitioners, and communities. The activities of Working Groups can include, but are not limited to: maintaining a listserv to share information among members; organizing sessions or panels at the annual CAFS assembly; coordinating special editions of Canadian Food Studies or another scholarly journal; organizing webinars or other opportunities for sharing research.

Working Groups will typically be organized as informal networks of scholars and practitioners, and will be self-directed. Each Working Group should have at least one person identified as a lead organizer, who must be a CAFS member. Other Working Group participants are encouraged to become CAFS members. Once per year, the Working Group organizer has to provide the CAFS Board of Directors with a brief report of the Working Group’s activities over the previous twelve months.

CAFS members who wish to establish a Working Group should present a written proposal to the CAFS Board of Directors. The proposal must:

  • define the group’s general field of interest
  • demonstrate how they will enhance activity in the area of activity
  • identify one or more organizers
  • describe the anticipated activities and initiatives
  • be limited to two pages

CAFS may provide in-kind support to Working Groups such as:

  • space in the CAFS newsletter
  • access to the CAFS membership list (upon written request with detailed rationale, and subject to Board approval)
  • letters of support for research grants, upon written request

CAFS is unable to provide financial support to Working Groups. Complete details are available in the CAFS Working Group Guidelines.