The McDowell Local Food Advisory Council (LFAC) is seeking community members who are passionate about strengthening our local food system and helping guide the future of our organization. 

Through the Foothills Food Hub, Marion Tailgate Market, and partnerships throughout McDowell County and Western North Carolina, LFAC works to increase access to healthy, local food, support the economic viability of local farms, and build a more equitable and resilient regional food system. 

As our organization grows, strong leadership and thoughtful governance are essential to sustaining our work and advancing our mission. We are seeking individuals who bring diverse perspectives, lived experiences, professional skills, and community connections, and who are willing to share responsibility for the long-term success of LFAC. 

What Does Serving on the Board Involve? 

The Board of Directors provides leadership, oversight, and accountability to ensure LFAC remains mission-driven, financially responsible, and well-positioned to serve our community. 

Board members share responsibility for: 

• Mission and Strategic Direction: Helping establish organizational priorities and ensuring LFAC's work aligns with its mission, vision, values, and strategic plan. 

• Financial Stewardship: Reviewing financial reports, approving budgets, and helping ensure the responsible management of organizational resources. 

• Organizational Leadership: Supporting and evaluating the Executive Director and ensuring the organization has the leadership and resources needed to succeed. 

• Governance and Accountability: Upholding organizational bylaws and policies, participating in sound decision-making, and supporting effective board governance. 

• Fundraising and Sustainability: Supporting fundraising, building relationships, and helping secure the resources needed to sustain LFAC's mission. 

• Community Representation: Bringing community perspectives into board discussions, strengthening partnerships, and serving as an ambassador for LFAC's work. 

Board members are not expected to manage daily operations. Rather, they work collectively to provide the direction, oversight, and support that allow LFAC's staff and programs to succeed. 

Board Member Commitments 

Board service is a volunteer leadership opportunity. Members are asked to: 

• Serve a three-year term, with the opportunity to serve up to two consecutive terms. 

• Attend regularly scheduled board meetings and participate actively in discussions and decisions. Board Meetings are typically held the first Thursday of each month. 

• Serve on at least one board committee, such as Finance committee, Board Governance, or Facilities committee, according to organizational needs and individual interests. 

• Review meeting materials, financial information, and other relevant documents in preparation for board meetings. 

• Support LFAC's fundraising and resource development efforts, including making an annual personally meaningful contribution appropriate to individual circumstances, and participating in other fundraising activities. 

• Act in the best interests of LFAC, uphold confidentiality, and disclose potential conflicts of interest. 

We believe board service should be accessible to people from a wide range of backgrounds and financial circumstances. There is no minimum financial contribution required. 

Who Should Apply? 

We welcome applicants who care about the future of local food, agriculture, community health, and economic opportunity in McDowell County and the surrounding region. 

You do not need previous nonprofit board experience to apply. We value lived experience, community knowledge, professional expertise, and a willingness to learn and work collaboratively. New board members receive orientation and ongoing support.  

We recognize the historical and ongoing inequities in access to land, food, economic opportunity, and decision-making power. We strongly encourage applications from people whose voices have been historically underrepresented in organizational leadership, including people of color, working-class community members, women, immigrants, LGBTQ+ individuals, and others who bring perspectives and experiences that strengthen our work. 

Serving on the LFAC Board is an opportunity to help shape the future of our local food system while supporting an organization committed to the health and well-being of our community. 

Thank you for considering this opportunity to serve. We look forward to learning more about you

Click here to open the application.