Join the SNAP Parent & Caregiver Advisory Council
Your Voice Can Shape the Future of Food Security and Public Benefits
All Children and Families deserve to live free from hunger and poverty.
Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry campaign works every day to achieve this vision by:
- Investing in system change with state agencies and community-based organizations.
- Modernizing SNAP systems through technology and partnerships.
- Advocating for policies that defend and expand access to resources.
To ensure that the voices of those most directly impacted are included in shaping these systems, we are forming the SNAP Parent & Caregiver Advisory Council. This group will:
- Collaborate to improve programs and advocate for lasting change.
- Include diverse perspectives across race, language, gender, sexual orientation, and lived experiences.
Ready to Apply?
If you’re interested in possibly being selected to join this effort, please apply by February 2, 2025.
About the Council
The SNAP Parent & Caregiver Advisory Council will bring together parents and caregivers with firsthand experience in public benefit systems, including:
- SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program).
- Summer EBT/SUN Bucks.
- Free and Reduced-Price School and Summer Meals.
This council will be a critical platform for:
- Sharing lived experiences to identify opportunities for improvement.
- Advising on No Kid Hungry’s strategy, grantmaking, communications, and advocacy efforts.
Our Commitment to Representation
We are building a council that reflects diverse perspectives and experiences. We value participants who can provide insight into how inequitable systems impact families and how to co-create better solutions.
Who Should Apply?
We are seeking parents and caregivers who:
- Have firsthand experience accessing or attempting to access systems like SNAP within the last two years.
- Can commit to participating fully in virtual and in-person sessions.
- Have reliable internet access and a device for virtual meetings and to read documents online
We value diverse voices and aim to build a group that reflects various experiences, identities, and communities.
Council Member Benefits
If selected, council members will receive:
- Monthly Stipend: $150/month for participation plus travel stipend & travel costs for in-person retreat in March 2025.
- Travel Support: Coverage for meals, lodging, transportation, and childcare during in-person events.
- Access to Resources: Coaching, materials, and technical assistance from the National Parent Leadership Institute (NPLI) and No Kid Hungry teams.
Key Dates & Time Commitment
February 2025 Time Commitment
- Virtual orientation: 90 minutes
- Review initial materials: 90 minutes
- Total estimated time: 3 hours
In February, the council’s work officially begins with the selection of members. A virtual orientation session will bring members together to establish group norms, introduce the project goals, and set expectations for the council’s work. This 90-minute session serves as an important opportunity for members to connect and prepare for meaningful collaboration. Members will also spend an additional 90 minutes reviewing initial documentation and materials related to Share Our Strength’s work and the goals of the SNAP Parent & Caregiver Advisory Council. Total time for February will be approximately 3 hours, which will be conducted virtually via Zoom.
March 2025 Time Commitment
- In-person retreat in Washington, D.C.: March 20-21 (2 days)
- Travel time required
In March, council members will meet in person for a two-day retreat in Washington, D.C. This gathering is designed to foster relationship-building among members, establish shared goals, and provide a deeper understanding of the No Kid Hungry campaign. The retreat will include interactive sessions, collaborative planning, and opportunities to share lived experiences that shape program improvements. All travel costs, including meals, lodging, and transportation, will be fully covered, and stipends for childcare or other related expenses will be provided.
April 2025 – June 2026 Time Commitment
- Monthly virtual meetings: 2 hours
- Preparation/review time: 1 hour
- Total estimated time: 3 hours per month
From April 2025 to June 2026, council members will meet virtually once a month for two-hour advisory sessions. These meetings will focus on reviewing ongoing initiatives, discussing program challenges, and providing recommendations to improve access and equity in public benefits systems. Members will also spend about an hour each month outside of these meetings preparing materials or reviewing updates, ensuring they are well-prepared to contribute to discussions.
Additional Opportunities
- Conferences, advocacy events, or other gatherings may arise
- Travel costs covered for any additional in-person participation
Throughout the council’s term, there may be chances for members to attend advocacy events, conferences, or other gatherings aligned with No Kid Hungry’s mission. These additional opportunities will be shared as they develop and will provide further avenues for members to contribute their expertise. All related expenses for participation will be covered.
Why This Council Matters
Better systems and solutions are created when the people most directly affected by those systems are part of the decision-making process. Share Our Strength believes that incorporating the perspectives of parents and caregivers with lived expertise is essential for improving programs like SNAP, Summer EBT, and Free/Reduced-Price School Meals. By joining the SNAP Parent & Caregiver Advisory Council, members will help identify opportunities to make these vital services more accessible, equitable, and effective for families who rely on them.
This council represents a commitment to deep engagement with individuals and communities currently navigating inequitable systems. Members’ insights and lived experiences will inform Share Our Strength’s strategies for grantmaking, advocacy, and communications, ensuring that No Kid Hungry’s work reflects the realities faced by families across the nation. Together, we can co-create lasting change in the critical safety-net resources that children and families need to thrive.
Ready to Apply?
If you’re interested in possibly being selected to join this effort, please apply by February 2, 2025.
About Us
Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry Campaign
No Kid Hungry is working to end childhood hunger by helping launch and improve programs that give all kids the healthy food they need to thrive. No Kid Hungry is a campaign of Share Our Strength, an organization committed to ending hunger and poverty in the United States and abroad.
The National Parent Leadership Institute
The National Parent Leadership Institute (NPLI) is an anti-racist, non-profit, nonpartisan, parent-informed democracy initiative. We embrace asset-based learning that works across diverse backgrounds, races, genders, religions, ages, sexual orientations, and other factors to increase the civic leadership of parents and family members and improve outcomes for children and families.
Questions?
Do you have questions after reading about the SNAP Parent & Caregiver Advisory Council?
We’re here to help! If you’d like more information, need clarification, or have concerns, feel free to reach out to Share Our Strength at bestpractices@strength.org. Our team is happy to assist you as you consider applying to possibly join this important initiative.