We are looking for Board Members
As a growing charitable organization, York Region Food Network (YRFN) is recruiting a skilled, experienced and passionate person for our Board of Directors.
We are looking for an individual who is passionate about the right to food and creating communities where people can come together over food. Ideally, we are looking for an individual with legal, fundraising or human resource experience.
The Board of Directors is the legal authority of York Region Food Network. As a member of the Board, a Board member acts in a position of trust for the community and is responsible for the effective governance of the organization. A Board Member is fully informed on YRFN matters and participates in the Board’s deliberations and decisions in matters of policy, finance and personnel.
The Board Member will:
- Approve, where appropriate, policy and other recommendations received from the Board, its committees and staff
- Monitor all Board policies
- Review the by-laws and policy manual, and recommend necessary changes to the membership
- Review the Board’s structure, approve changes and prepare necessary by-law amendments
- Participate in the development of YRFN’s organizational, strategic and annual planning
- Approve YRFN’s budget
- Approve the hiring and release of the Executive Director (senior position) including the Executive Director’s employment contract
- Support and participate in evaluating the Executive Director
- Support and participate in fundraising activities
- Assist in developing and maintaining positive relations amongst the Board, committees, staff members and community to enhance YRFN’s mission
- Sign a consent form annually that outlines expectations
Requirements of YRFN Board membership include:
- Commitment to the work of YRFN
- Knowledge and skills in one or more areas of Board governance: legal, policy, finance, programs/content, human resources, fund development
- Willingness to serve on committees
- Attendance at Board meetings
- Attendance at meetings of assigned committees
- Attendance at Annual General Meeting
- Attendance at membership meetings
- Support of special events
- Support of, and participation in, fundraising events
Monthly Board meetings are scheduled on the second Thursday of each month at 7:30PM. Meetings take place at YRFN’s office in Newmarket. In addition to this, Directors participate in fundraising and outreach opportunities. Time commitment is approximately 3-6 hours per month. Term is one year with the option of renewal.
York Region Food Network is strongly committed to equity, diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from members of racialized groups, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, persons of diverse sexual orientation and gender identities and others with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities.
To apply for York Region Food Network’s Board of Directors position, please submit your cover letter and resume to kateg@yrfn.ca by May 3, 2026.
Volunteer for other roles
Volunteers play a vital role in York Region Food Network’s work.
At York Region Food Network, all potential volunteers are asked to fill out a short form to express their interest. Once you have let us know you’re interested in volunteering, we’ll send you an information package about York Region Food Network and the volunteer positions we have available. From there, we’ll provide you with the appropriate training so you can start volunteering with us.
York Region Food Network has virtual and in-person volunteer opportunities available. Please note that for health and safety reasons, we have a limited number of in-person volunteer positions available. All in-person volunteers may have to wear face coverings and abide by York Region Food Network’s COVID19 protocols, based on the guidance and advice of York Region Public Health and our provincial and federal governments.