1) Could you share whether the Food Policy Council of Buffalo & Erie County is primarily interested in a local consultant, or if equal consideration would be given to those who are based elsewhere? (My office is in Maryland)

• The Food Policy Council is looking to find the most qualified candidate and equal consideration will be given to those based locally and elsewhere.

2) Can internal members apply for funding?

• Internal members can apply for funding; however the funder believes that this is a conflict of interest.

3) Would an individual have to resign from the Food Policy Council of Buffalo & Erie County before submitting a proposal?

• Current FPC members would only have to resign if awarded; current members can apply.

4) Would current Food Policy Council members be asked to resign from their positions, or could he/she take a leave of absence?

• The Erie County Department of Health believes that resignation would be the best decision if the grant was awarded to a current FPC member. It would make more sense to have a full council during the strategic planning period and would allow for the council to expand its reach and to fill gaps in expertise. Therefore, the FPC advises current members resign rather than take a leave of absence if awarded.

5) Can you please let me know more about the requirement to have conducted trainings on policy-related activities?

• Applicant should have facilitated/moderated at least 1, but preferably several (in-person/virtually) related to policy (not necessarily food system policy). To further clarify, the individual(s) has qualitative research experience and has successfully moderated a community outreach activity concerning contentious City/State/Regional Policy issues.