The Food Policy Council of Buffalo and Erie County (FPC) is a collaborative group of individuals who represent different sectors of the local food system. The mission of the FPC is to advocate for a sustainable and equitable food system for Buffalo and Erie County. The FPC is composed of 15-21 members with a mixture of appointed and stakeholder seats. The appointed seats represent government and municipal agencies, and the stakeholder seats represent all sectors of the food system. FPC members contribute their time, expertise and goodwill to the council. Serving on the FPC is both an opportunity and commitment to improve local food production and access within Erie County.
Purpose and Role of the FPC
The 15–21 member volunteer council is responsible for carrying out annual goals as they relate to the actions listed in the Local Food Action Plan as well as other priority objectives that arise. To do so, FPC members also serve on standing committees and working groups to carry out objectives related to food policy advocacy, emergency food preparedness, food procurement, community outreach and education, and agricultural policies and best practices. As part of each meeting, council members convene to discuss successes and concerns within the current food system and collaborate on policy recommendations to advise local government officials.
Council members volunteer their time and expertise and receive no remuneration. FPC members must be Erie County residents.
Council Appointment and Term of Office
Appointed members are selected by the Erie County Executive and may have unlimited terms. Stakeholder members are selected through an application process submitted to the FPC and terms are limited to three years. Stakeholder members can serve two consecutive terms with the option to reapply but must take a one-year break before reapplying through the standard application process.
Responsibilities of FPC Members
- Utilize expertise to advise Erie County food policy recommendations.
- Serve on at least one, but not more than two standing committees, during each term served. Serving on working groups does not satisfy the standing committee requirement.
- Members are expected to attend all full council meetings and all standing committee/working group meetings that they are part of.
- Adhere to confidentiality and conflict of interest policies.
Skills and Values
- Desire to protect and improve the local food system in its entirety.
- Expertise in disciplines such as food policy, community advocacy, agriculture, and health equity.
- Collegial and collaborative approach to working with fellow members from different backgrounds and industries.
- Optimism and a positive approach to advocating for an equitable and sustainable food system.
- Experience with governance practices is an asset.
- Good judgment when balancing conflicting priorities and making difficult decisions.
Tasks and Time Commitment
Attend Meetings: A minimum of four (4) meetings are scheduled each year. Currently, the FPC meets monthly in-person on the last Wednesday of each month for one-hour. Typically, standing committees and working groups also meet monthly for one-hour using a virtual platform. Meeting time and frequency may be subject to change as needed.
Contact the FPC
For more information or to express your interest in serving on the Food Policy Council of Buffalo and Erie County, please contact the Food Policy Council Coordinator at 716-858-8172 or fpc@erie.gov.