FARE Community Access Initiative Council

FARE has partnered with South Ward Promise Neighborhood  (SWPN) in Newark, NJ, to gather input from community members managing food allergies and work together to identify local priorities for food allergy awareness, training and support programs. Building on grassroots involvement and feedback, the FARE Community Access Initiative will establish a self-sustaining framework for food allergy support and advocacy in the South Ward that can also serve as a model for expanding food allergy services in other cities across the country.

The FARE Community Access Initiative Council will play a critical role in helping FARE advance its mission to improve the quality of life and the health of individuals with food allergies in the South Ward. Key to this mission is developing community understanding, trust, partnership and support by building relationships between FARE, the Council, parents, patients, professionals and the public in an effort to create a culture committed to increasing awareness and understanding of food allergies and supporting those affected by them. 

Members

The Council shall consist of 1) one SWPN staff member who will serve as an advisor/liaison and 2) at least 10 and no more than 15 members consisting of the following people, who live in, or whose work impacts, the South Ward:

• Parent of child(ren) with food allergies (2)
• Young adult/teenager with food allergies (1-2)
• Adult with food allergies (1)
• School nurse (1-2)
• Pediatrician or pediatric physician’s assistant/nurse practitioner (1-2) 
• Register dietitian (1)
• Faith leader (1)
• Emergency medical services personnel and/or emergency dept. physician/nurse (1)
• Allergist (1)
• Early interventionist/social worker (1)
• Other community stakeholders as applicable (2)

Participation on the Council is not a paid position; however, members will receive a stipend to cover any related expenses, such as parking fees, public transportation, and childcare.  

Duties and Responsibilities

Members of the Council are expected to: 

• assist FARE in the development of a community-specific 12-month plan to deliver food allergy education and awareness in the South Ward. This plan will be driven by data from a FARE-created community needs assessment, focus groups and other means, and may include outreach to childcare facilities, schools, houses of worship, restaurants, medical providers, emergency medical services, and more;
• review select materials and surveys for cultural and community appropriateness; 
• assist with educating the public on FARE research, education and advocacy initiatives and overall mission;
• be collaborative, be respectful of other members and different points of view, and consider the community as a whole when making decisions; and
• keep sensitive or embargoed information confidential.

Meetings and Time Commitment

• The Council will convene quarterly via conference or video call, but some or all members may be called upon as needed. 
• Members should be willing to commit approximately five hours per month to the role.

For additional details, contact Marie Malloy, National Director of Volunteer and Community Engagement for FARE, mmalloy@foodallergy.org.