There is hereby established an advisory committee within the department to be known as the Emergency Food Assistance Advisory Committee. This committee shall be composed of food and nutrition advocates, regional food bank representatives, county government representatives and representatives of the department and the Governor's Office. The advisory committee shall elect a chairperson at the first meeting of the calendar year who shall be empowered to call meetings when appropriate. The advisory committee shall be composed of not less than ten but no more than 15 members appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture, no more than three of whom shall be State employees. Members of the advisory committee shall serve without remuneration except for reimbursement for travel expenses.