Current Leadership

The Better Food Policy Fund is governed by an Independent Advisory Committee (IAC) to shift funding decisions away from donors. The IAC is self-governing and informally accountable to food policy council stakeholders.

The body is diverse and experienced in participatory processes, collaborative governance, cross-cultural communication, policy development, and food systems. They work to ensure continuity, stability, and equity within the Fund.

The first IAC members were invited in April 2023, and new members were added in 2026. IAC members serve an initial three-year term.

Past Leadership

In late 2022, an interim governing body used their diverse perspectives to decide strategy for the fund and help select the first Independent Advisory Committee.  These Advance team members included:

• A-dae Briones, First Nations Development Institute
• Christy Shi Day, participatory process consultant
• Cicely Garrett, National Black Food & Justice Alliance
• Karen Bassarab, Center for a Livable Future – JHU
• Luis Nieves-Ruiz, East Central FL Regional Planning Council
• Molly Norton, Tides Foundation
• Monica Bhagwan, Leah’s Pantry