4. There is established a 13-member Hunger Prevention Advisory Committee in the Department of Human Services. The advisory committee shall assist the Commissioner of Human Services in the implementation of the New Jersey Hunger Prevention and Nutrition Assistance Program established pursuant to this act and shall oversee the needs assessment that shall be conducted pursuant to section 5 of this act.

a. The advisory committee shall consist of:

(1) the Secretary of Agriculture, the Commissioner of Human Services, and the Commissioner of Community Affairs, or their designees, who shall serve ex officio; and

(2) 10 public members appointed by the Governor who shall include: two representatives of emergency food programs in the State; two representatives of programs serving homeless individuals in the State; the Executive Directors of the County Welfare Directors Association of New Jersey, the Municipal Welfare Association of New Jersey and the Association for Children of New Jersey, or their designees; a nutritionist; and two members of the public who are knowledgeable about emergency food programs. The public members other than the executive directors shall serve during the term of office of the Governor who shall have appointed them, at the pleasure of that Governor.

b. Vacancies in the membership of the committee shall be filled in the same manner provided for the original appointments.

c. The committee shall organize as soon as practicable following the appointment of its members and shall select a chairperson and vice-chairperson from among the members. The chairperson shall appoint a secretary who need not be a member of the committee.

d. The committee shall be entitled to call to its assistance and avail itself of the services of the employees of any State, county or municipal department, board, bureau, commission or agency as it may require and as may be available to it for its purposes.

L.2001,c.62,s.4.