The Montpelier Food Pantry was established in 1983, originally as part of an ecumenical effort.

In 2010, the Pantry found a new home under the umbrella of Just Basics, Inc. At its inception, Just Basics brought together two programs that long worked to meet basic food needs in the greater Montpelier area: the Montpelier Food Pantry and the Montpelier Home Delivery Program (Meals on Wheels). In 2017, Just Basics transferred operations of the Meals on Wheels Program to the City of Montpelier.

In 2023, Just Basics, expanded to meet the demand for access to information by opening a Resource Center and collaborating with other organizations to create a central hub for learning and assistance.

Mission:

JBI confronts cycles of injustice by providing programs that increase awareness and access to basic resources needed for a resilient and vibrant community.

Vision:

We envision a community where the root causes of poverty and vulnerability are confronted through unprejudiced and sustainable solutions with a person-focused approach.

Board members attend and participate in one monthly board meeting and in committee meetings as needed.

Just Basics is governed by a Board of Directors, with paid staff and volunteers. The Board makes policy decisions in consultation with the staff and volunteers as appropriate. The Executive Director and Staff manage programs, operations, grant writing/development, financial management, volunteer coordination, and public relations.

As a 501(c)(3) organization, Just Basics is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors that advises, governs and oversees the mission, programs and policies of Just Basics.

Board Responsibilities:

• Strategic planning

• Organizational leadership and advisement

• Financial management, including adoption and oversight of the annual budget

• Formulate and oversee policies and procedures

• Evaluate the staff

• Develop and review programs and operations in coordination with staff

• Promote Just Basics at public events and increase public awareness

• Oversee development and fundraising efforts in coordination with the staff

• Oversee support of volunteer efforts in coordination with staff

• Attend and participate in board and committee meetings

• Contract for services when needed

• Recruit new board members

• Communicate board activities to the membership

Board Roles

Board President:

• Partners with the staff and volunteers in carrying out the Just Basics mission

• Chairs meetings of the Board after developing the agenda

• Helps guide and mediate board actions with respect to organizational priorities, strategic planning and governance concerns

• Monitors financial planning and financial reports

• Evaluates and manages the performance of the staff

• Performs other responsibilities assigned by the Board

Board Vice-President:

• Performs the Board President’s responsibilities when the President cannot be available

• Reports to the President

• Works closely with the President and staff as needed

• Performs other responsibilities assigned by the Board

Board Treasurer:

• The Treasurer manages the organization’s finances and fiscal matters

• Oversees the work of the Administrator and bookkeeper to ensure fiscal health and accurate reporting

• Ensures development and board review of financial policies and procedures

• Works to invest retained earnings as approved by the Board

Board Secretary:

• The Secretary maintains records of the Board and ensures effective management of organizational records

• Takes minutes of board meetings

• Distributes minutes to board members shortly after each meeting

• Is sufficiently familiar with legal documents (articles, bylaws, etc.) to note applicability during meetings

Board Members

• Each Board member will be tasked with a committee role(s) as designated by the President and interest.

• Board members will volunteer for tasks associated with board responsibilities.

Read the bylaws here.