Meet our staff
Jack McKay, Executive Director (he/him), is one of the founders of Food AND Medicine, and has been the Director since 2001. Jack oversees the day-to-day operation of the organization, as well as strategic planning, finances, budgeting and ensuring FAM's long-term sustainability. He was previously a school teacher in New York City and spent decades as a union organizer and activist. Jack is a graduate of the University of Maine; he and his family live in Bangor, where he was born and raised.
A member of the IBEW, Jack has served as President of the Eastern Maine Labor Council for over 20 years, as well as the executive board of the Maine AFL-CIO.
Melissa Smith, Deputy Director (she/her) started with Food AND Medicine in 2015, when she was hired as Office Manager. She was promoted to Deputy Director in 2022; her responsibilities include finances, grant management, communications, data management, event planning and administrative duties. Melissa grew up in New Jersey but spent summer vacations in Maine and is a graduate of Rutgers University. She had a 15-year career as a compliance manager in the credit card industry in Phoenix, from which she was laid off in a workforce reduction prior to moving to Maine to be closer to her family.
A member of IBEW, Melissa serves as Secretary of the Eastern Maine Labor Council, AFL-CIO.
Meredyth Waters, Community Organizer (she/her)
Meredyth is a recent graduate of the University of Maine. She comes to Food AND Medicine after 3 campaign cycles and previously working for SEIU and Maine Peoples Alliance. When she is not working you can find her watching hockey or spending time in the woods. Meredyth joined FAM staff in May 2025.
Meredyth is a steward and member of National Organization of Legal Services Workers (NOLSW), UAW Local 2320.
Sandy Joy, Civic Engagement Organizer (she/her)
Sandy worked as a Community Organizer for FAM for many years and stepped back to care for her partner as he battled ALS. A licensed social worker, Sandy started and currently manages the crisis line for Wabanaki Public Health & Wellness. In 2017, Sandy started FAM's Civic Engagement program, including holding our members of congress accountable. She returned to FAM in 2025 part time to organize our civic engagement group once again. Sandy lives with her rescue dog Gigi in Orono. She is the proud mother of her son Joe, a Harvard graduate.
Sandy is a member of NOLSW, UAW Local 2320.
Landen Michaud-Southard (they/them)
Landen works part time for Food AND Medicine, currently organizing our monthly Resource Fair; they joined our staff in September 2025. Landen is an organizer and activist, working also with Maine Youth Power and Needlepoint Sanctuary.
Landen is a member of NOLSW, UAW Local 2320.
Food Justice Organizer
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