Right to food, Food sovereignty, Food security, Sustainable food systems

The People’s Food Institute is Seeking New Board Members

Role: Regular Board Member, and Board Treasurer
Type: non-profit board / unpaid
Organization: People's Food Institute
Location: Remote work, anywhere in Canada / Turtle Island

The People’s Food Institute (PFI) is a Canadian-registered charity with the mission of supporting food movement leaders to advance research, education, and networking on the right to food, food sovereignty, food security, sustainable food systems, and ecological agricultural practices.

The People's Food Institute is guided by a volunteer Board of Directors who oversee the strategic direction, development, and projects of the organization. The PFI board meets virtually once a month, with some additional time required for follow-up work and email communication between meetings, for a total commitment of approximately three to five hours max per month. Board members have the opportunity to participate on additional organizational committees if they have the time and interest to do so. Though meetings are virtual, the board is striving to meet in person at least once every two years.

We have openings for two new board members, and one treasurer to join our team and recognize the importance of our board reflecting the communities our work aims to benefit. We are a small organization that values diverse perspectives and creative thinking to cultivate dynamic and strong partnerships based on mutual respect.

This year, we are particularly seeking applicants who (please apply even if you do not meet this criteria)

• Identify as Indigenous, or have experience working with First Nations, Métis, and/or Inuit communities
• Are bilingual (French-English)
• Are based in Western or Eastern coastal regions of Canada / Turtle Island

If you are committed to advancing resilient and equitable food systems and would like to join the PFI board, please complete this form by Friday, November 14. Please mention you saw this at FoodWork.ca.

Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further discussion.

Full board descriptions are included below.

If you have any questions, please contact Kristen Lepine Dos Santos, PFI Director of Operations at info@peoplesfoodinstitute.org Thank you!

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(1) Board Member – At Large

Time commitment: Minimum 3-4 hours/month, including monthly virtual board meetings, typically from 3:30–5:00 p.m. EST on the third Monday of each month (September–June). The board does not typically meet in July or August.

About the Role

As a Board Member at Large, you will provide governance, strategic advice, and relational leadership to help strengthen PFI’s impact. You’ll bring your lived experience, networks, and understanding of the food and justice space to contribute meaningfully to our direction and growth.

Responsibilities

• Attend and actively engage in monthly board meetings (via Zoom).
• Review materials in advance, ask questions, and provide constructive input.
• Offer strategic oversight and policy guidance on PFI’s projects, operations, and growth.
• Support fundraising, resource development, and outreach through your networks.
• Act as an ambassador and representative of PFI in your communities and networks.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience in nonprofit leadership, community organizing, food systems, social justice, or related fields.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and relationship-building skills.
• Familiarity with fundraising or grant writing (asset but not required).
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and decolonial / anti-oppressive practice.

This year, we are particularly seeking applicants who (but please apply even if you do not meet this criteria)

• Identify as Indigenous, or have experience working with First Nations, Métis, and/or Inuit communities
• Are bilingual (French-English)
• Are based in Western or Eastern coastal regions of Canada / Turtle Island

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(2) Treasurer (Board Position)

Time commitment: Around 3-4 hours/month (1.5-hour meeting, email review, ~1 hour reviewing monthly financial close). Up to 5 hours/month during audit and AGM months (two months per year). The board does not typically meet in July or August.

About the Role

The Treasurer is a full voting member of PFI’s Board and leads oversight of financial governance. You’ll work closely with staff, accountants/bookkeepers, and other board members to ensure transparency, accountability, and financial health for PFI.

This role does not require a CPA designation. Demonstrated expertise with nonprofit budgets, financial oversight, and/or accounting practices is sufficient.

Responsibilities

• Attend and actively participate in monthly board meetings (via Zoom)
• Review monthly financial statements, dashboards, and reports; present summaries and analyses to the board
• Help lead development and oversight of the annual budget
• Aid in preparing financials for audit, AGM, and regulatory compliance
• Ensure that financial policies, internal controls, and reporting practices are robust and followed
• Serve as a resource to other board members on financial literacy / risk
• Communicate with staff or external financial consultants as needed

Desired Qualifications

• Background in accounting, finance, or budget management (CPA an asset but not required)
• Experience working with or volunteering with nonprofits is essential, or at least a strong willingness to understand nonprofit culture
• Track record interpreting financial data and explaining it to non-financial stakeholders
• Experience working (or willingness to learn) in nonprofit financial systems and practices
• High integrity, attention to detail, and commitment to accountability
• Alignment with PFI’s mission, values, and commitment to equity and justice
• Willingness to engage in fundraising, resource development, or financial sustainability strategy, as part of the board

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Why Join PFI’s Board?

By joining PFI’s Board, you’ll play a meaningful role in advancing food justice and sovereignty across Canada and Turtle Island. You’ll contribute to a small and committed team of people active in food systems transformation, while learning from and supporting the incredible grassroots initiatives we partner with. Your time and expertise will directly influence the work we amplify and the communities we serve.

To express interest or learn more about joining our Board, please complete this form by Friday, November 14. For all inquiries, contact us at info@peoplesfoodinstitute.org

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Please mention you saw this at FoodWork.ca.