**ANTI-HUNGER COALITION TIMMINS NEWS RELEASE**

As a homegrown registered charity responding to hunger in our community, ACT has worked to increase access to healthy and affordable food in Timmins for vulnerable populations for the past 11 years. Through collaborative efforts with community partners, ACT offers 3 core programs:

1. Good Food Box Program, which allows people to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables monthly at a reduced price (between 20-30% below retail);

2. Collective Cooking Program, teaches basic food preparation skills; and

3. Community Gardens, which makes land available for community members, charities and not-for-profits to grow small vegetable gardens.

ACT is also recognized by Community Food Centres Canada as a Good Food Organization. A Good Food Organization adheres to five principals, including: Taking action from the individual to the systemic (through food access, food skills, and civic engagement programs); Believing and investing in the power of good food; Creating an environment of respect and community leadership; Meeting people where they’re at; & Aiming high for our organizations and our community.

Our vision:

Working together for a food secure community where all residents have the resources to access and prepare healthy food.

Our mission:

• To increase access to local, healthy and affordable food;
• To facilitate education and skill-building related to community food matters;
• To foster community relationships that offer creative solutions to local food issues; and
• To address gaps that prevent Timmins from being a food secure community

Our values:

• Health
• Empowerment
• Collaboration
• Inclusivity
• Sustainability

Directors with Anti-Hunger Coalition Timmins form a working board, currently supported in its operations by a full time Executive Director. The role of a volunteer Director includes the following:

1) provide the necessary legal and financial oversight required to maintain charitable status;
2) oversee the community development goals of the organization as a community coalition;
3) establish policies to effectively carry out ACT’s vision and mission through its programs;
4) engage in the Board Strategic plan and set priorities from the plan;
5) develop and allocate adequate resources for programs and services;
6) actively promote ACT and encourage collaboration among prospective partners; and
7) volunteers in the achievement of ACTs vision and mission

The duties of a Board Member are to:

• attend all monthly Board meetings, review all materials distributed prior to the meeting, be prepared and ready to act on scheduled agenda items
• actively serve on at least one board subcommittee, and participate in as many ACT events as possible throughout the year
Qualifications Sought in Board Members:
• ACT bylaws indicate directors must be 18 years of age or older
• The success of our coalition depends on engaging volunteers from various sectors to achieve our vision and mission in the community, including: anti-poverty organizations, emergency food organizations, youth, aboriginal organizations, mental health organizations, women’s organizations, francophone organizations, churches, public sector agencies, service clubs and the business sector
• Knowledge and skills, particularly in the areas of: food security, fundraising, volunteer sector, finance, law, media/communications, outreach/education, technology, strategic planning, and governance

ACT/ Good Food Organizations Canada Vision, Mission and Values

• Directors must agree to support the vision, mission and values of ACT
• Directors agree to work within the Good Food Principles developed by Community Food Centres Canada

Financial Contribution

ACT directors do their best to demonstrate a personal commitment to fundraising and donations to the organization, establishing credibility when called upon to ask others to give.

Time Availability

• The minimum anticipated time commitment of directors is approximately 6 hours per month (1.5 hours/week)
• Directors are expected to attend one Board meeting per month, a Committee meeting and ACT events. Directors are expected to come prepared, having reviewed all Board and Committee materials, and to actively participate in the meetings.
• All new board members are expected to participate in an orientation meeting following election or acclamation to the board.

 

For more information on how to apply, visit the Anti-Hunger Coalition Timmins Facebook page here. 

Filed under: Local News