Photo Caption: Neighbor Leadership Council members share their experiences with food insecurity on a panel moderated by State Rep. Emily Kinkead.
In 2024, the Government Affairs team at Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank proudly launched the Neighbor Leadership Council (NLC), a groundbreaking program that brings together community members with lived experience with food insecurity to inform our advocacy efforts. This council has been instrumental in shaping how we address hunger and connect with those we serve. As year one of the NLC comes to a close, we’d love to share some of our accomplishments and takeaways as we look ahead to year two and beyond!
What is the Neighbor Leadership Council?
The NLC is a cohort of neighbors who meet monthly to share their stories, insights, and expertise on food insecurity. Their lived experiences provide invaluable guidance, helping the Food Bank develop programs and initiatives that truly address the needs of our community. This innovative approach ensures that those directly affected by food insecurity have a seat at the table and a voice in shaping solutions.
Why Elevating Lived Experience Matters
There’s power in lived experience. When neighbors share their first-hand perspectives, it creates a deeper understanding of the barriers they face and the resources they need. These voices have inspired action, informed policy, and strengthened the Food Bank’s connection to the community. Advocacy rooted in real-life stories carries weight—it drives change by humanizing the issues and calling attention to the urgency of ending hunger.
Year One Accomplishments
In its first year, the NLC achieved incredible milestones, including:
- Elevating Voices: Members spoke directly to elected officials and appeared on news outlets, advocating for policies to combat food insecurity.
- Building Connections: The Council forged relationships with policymakers, community organizations, and the media to amplify their impact.
- Sharing Resources: Through their insights, members helped identify gaps in services and opportunities for improvement.
- Compensating Advocacy Work: Recognizing the value of lived experience, the Food Bank compensated NLC members for their time and contributions.
This past year has shown the transformative impact of centering those most affected by food insecurity.
Join Us for Year Two
As we celebrate the success of Year One, we’re excited to announce that applications and nominations for the second cohort of the Neighbor Leadership Council are now open! If you or someone you know has lived experience with food insecurity and a passion for making a difference, we’d love to hear from you.
To apply or nominate someone for year two of the NLC, please refer to this application. Together, we can continue to amplify voices, advocate for change, and work toward a hunger-free future.