Purpose

The Network Advisory Council (NAC) consists of representatives from food assistance programs in the Connecticut Foodshare network. The purpose of the NAC is to provide insight regarding major initiatives and decisions affecting partner programs as Connecticut Foodshare implements its 2022-2025 Community Impact Plan. The NAC will provide input and make recommendations but does not have final authority. This includes, but is not limited to, informing approaches Connecticut Foodshare will take to: 

• Increase food access and reduce barriers to food assistance
• Provide resources, convenings and technical support to build partner program capacity
• Collect information from the partner program network and people served
• Evaluate and revise the current agency partnership model
• Actively focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Include the perspectives of those with lived experience with food insecurity

Duration

The NAC will exist for the duration of Connecticut Foodshare’s 2022-2025 Community Impact Plan. The NAC launched in January 2023 and will conclude in December 2025. NAC members will begin with a one-year commitment with the opportunity to renew in subsequent years. 

Membership

• The NAC will include up to 15 representatives from Connecticut Foodshare partner programs, with an emphasis on food pantries and soup kitchens. 
• Members will be selected with a goal of reflecting the diversity of the Connecticut Foodshare partner network, including but not limited to geography, program type and size, and population served.
• Members will be individuals with decision-making authority for their food assistance program, such as program directors or coordinators.
• Members will be selected by Connecticut Foodshare staff based on a brief application process. 
• If a member resigns from the group, Connecticut Foodshare will re-open the application process to the partner program network to fill the vacancy in the coming year.

Member Responsibilities

• Attend and participate in quarterly NAC meetings run by Connecticut Foodshare staff.
• Respond to periodic requests from Connecticut Foodshare for feedback between quarterly meetings. 

Current NAC Members