May 28, 2025
We’ve changed our name – not our path.
We introduced Kinvia to the world – a name rooted in connection and community, and guided by the belief that lasting change happens when we walk together.
For over 30 years, we have worked alongside children, families, and communities around the world to impact all areas of food and nourishment at all stages of their lives, including income generation, education, gender equality, racial justice, and climate impacts. And as our work deepens, so should our identity.
Kinvia is our new name, and it belongs to all of us
Through deep reflection, open conversations, and a commitment to our mission, we listened to the voices of communities and partners we work alongside—the very people at the centre of everything we do. Their message was clear: Our name should reflect progress, inclusivity, and the many ways we work together.
We listened and we evolved, and now we embark on our path forward as Kinvia, previously known as Canadian Feed The Children.
While our name has changed, our commitment to walking alongside communities is unwavering. In fact, this evolution helps us better express how we work — walking alongside communities in Bolivia, Ethiopia, Ghana, Uganda, and with Indigenous Peoples in Canada as they forge their own paths forward.
It feels good—and simply right—that as we go forward with you and our global Kinvia family, we do so with an inclusive name that reflects the values and vision we share. Kin because we are connected, all responsible for the nourishment of the world's children. Via because achieving food security requires taking action in directions defined by those whose well-being is directly impacted. As kin and allies, we accompany them on their paths to lasting change. I'm immensely grateful to have you with us on this journey—and excited for what we can and will achieve together.
What does Kinvia mean?
Kinvia, a word that inspires, that gives much strength. A word that gives you energy to transform lives. I consider this new brand will transport us to new ideas and ways to support and accompany in growth not only of girls, boys, adolescents, and youth, but the community. I mean the fathers, mothers, authorities, and teachers. Kinvia, something big and necessary for humanity.
We are deeply grateful to the many individuals and communities whose teachings and insights have guided this journey. Their voices shaped our understanding and inspired a transformation rooted in solidarity, accountability, and respect. At the heart of this change is a renewed commitment that centres community leadership, fosters inclusive dialogue, and advances change through mutual trust and kinship.
We embraced the opportunity to reimagine who we are and how we show up in the world. During these conversations we asked big questions: Who are we? Why do we exist? What does meaningful partnership look like?
Kinvia is a name without preconceptions. A blank canvas to define our story, one of dignity, ownership, and lasting change. No more assumptions. No more misplaced expectations. Just a clear, powerful voice for community-led transformation. Now, when we speak, the world will finally hear who we really are.
Alvaro, teacher, IPTK Poroma Cerpito, draws what he feels after the announcement of the new name, Kinvia.
To reflect this evolving identity, we sought a name that would carry the true essence of our journey. We created a new word Kinvia by merging “kin” and “via”. It embodies the belief in connection as the path forward, and our enduring commitment to walk that path together because true progress begins when communities lead the way.
For me, Kinvia means the essence of the organization, the opportunity to walk hand-in-hand with our communities to overcome their vulnerabilities they are exposed to and to achieve their aspiration as a community.
Where paths cross and change begins
Progress isn't a single line. It's a network of paths forged by communities leading their own change.
We are enhancing the ways we work, strengthening community leadership, and deepening our programs for lasting impact. This is what it means to be community-led.
- In Ghana, local leaders are transforming traditional farming practices into climate-resilient food systems to increase inclusive agriculture-led economic growth in northern Ghana through stronger and more resilient markets.
- Ethiopian farmers and Indigenous Peoples in Canada are exchanging knowledge through our partnership network, creating stronger food systems for all.
- In Bolivia, gender equality and entrepreneurship training are integrated to build the personal, technical, and business skills women and youth need to overcome barriers and grow sustainable enterprises.
- In Garden Hill First Nation, where diabetes rates are 400 to 500 times higher than the national average, community members have built a thriving food market, a healthy food canteen, and a 13-acre farm that produces hundreds of pounds of organic food each year and helps children reconnect with the land.
Kinvia provokes a transformation strength, to improve the life conditions of the children, families, and communities, so that they develop and can improve and move forward here and worldwide.
Our core belief is that food and nourishment is a human right. We are committed to community-driven solutions that address the unique needs of children, youth, and communities.
By challenging colonial structures and embracing a more equitable approach, we are not just breaking barriers—we are building a future where true, lasting change is possible.
Walking the Path Together
Kinship and community have always been the way forward, and your support makes more possible. We now reach close to 270,000 people in 133 communities in five countries.
Even though a path less travelled by many, our transformation paves the way and creates momentum for Kinvia and partners to evolve our programming and explore new perspectives with our collaborators.
Our 2024-2034 strategic directions, aptly named the Path To Kinvia, is our roadmap. The process we followed in developing our ten-year plan reflected our commitment to inclusion, collaboration, growth, learning, and impact. While the way will not always be straightforward, we are ready to adapt—learning as we go and ever-evolving in keeping with our values and the principles of equity and justice.
We are pleased to see CFTC’s brand identity evolving in such a mindful way. It decisively and boldly demonstrates that your approach to supporting communities is collaborative, relational, and respectful. It is appealing both visually and, in its meaning, and indicates a real commitment to listening and learning from those you support.
As an award-winning Canadian charity, we remain steadfastly committed to financial transparency, accountability, cost efficiency, and social impact, and have been recognized as a Top 100 Rated Charity by Charity Intelligence for nearly a decade, most recently in 2024.
Join us on the Path We Share
Your support makes more possible. Here are some of the many ways you join us on the path we share.
- Stay Connected: Subscribe to our Kinvia e-newsletter for inspiring stories and program updates.
- Make More Possible: Your support strengthens leadership and deepens community programs. Donate today.
- See Your Impact: Follow us on social media to hear how your support drives real change.
- Support Lasting Change: Give monthly to help communities thrive with the greatest impact and lowest admin costs.
