The Food Club Network is pleased to announce Lura Barber as its Founding Executive Director.
Barber will lead the organization through its transition from an incubated initiative of the Community Food Club of Grand Rapids into an independent nonprofit serving a growing membership base of food clubs statewide.
Barber is a West Michigan native who comes to the Food Club Network from a career spanning national nonprofit leadership, partnership development, and food access advocacy. She most recently led partnership development at a software startup focused on modernizing how public benefits reach families in need. Prior to that, Barber spent nearly a decade at the National Council on Aging building the organization’s first SNAP (food assistance program) enrollment program for older adults, and later drove significant growth at Benefits Data Trust. As board chair at Community Food Club in Grand Rapids, she saw firsthand the power of the food club model, making her a natural fit to lead its statewide expansion.
Scott Rumpsa, CEO of Community Action House and Food Club Network (FCN) Steering Committee member, said: “Demand for our services is growing, and the landscape for food and nutrition assistance is shifting. Having a statewide network that can coordinate advocacy, partnerships, food procurement, and best practices isn’t a luxury anymore. It’s a necessity. I’m excited about the strategic leadership Lura brings at this critical moment—and what it will mean for communities across our state in the years to come.”
O’Nealya Gronstal, Executive Director of Lakeshore Food Club and FCN Steering Committee member, said: “Food insecurity doesn’t look the same everywhere, and the solutions shouldn’t either. The Food Club Network understands that rural communities have unique barriers and unique strengths. Lura will help us make sure those perspectives are represented as we grow.”
AJ Fossel, Executive Director of Community Food Club and FCN Steering Committee member, said: “Community Food Club helped incubate the Network because we saw what was possible when food clubs learn from each other. Now it’s time for the Network to stand on its own and grow. Bringing Lura on as Founding Executive Director is a major milestone for this work.”
“I am honored to serve as the Food Club Network’s first Executive Director,” Barber said. “Food clubs are changing lives across Michigan, providing families not just with groceries, but with the dignity of choice. The food club model works, and Michigan is ready for more of them. I look forward to working alongside our member organizations, community partners, and funders to make that happen.”