NSA
Newcomer Support and Assistance Committee
The Newcomer Support and Assistance Subcommittee (NSA) is part of the World Service 12th Step Committee. The purpose of this subcommittee is to provide support and assistance to the newcomer in the following ways:
- Helps the newcomer better understand what to do when they first come to FA
- Helps existing members support newcomers
- Helps foster a welcoming environment for newcomers
THOUGHTS TO HELP NEWCOMERS
Browse through the FA website
The FA website has an introductory section for newcomers with resources worth reviewing. Just click on “Menu” on the top right of any webpage and open the section entitled “New to FA.”
Go to Meetings
FA members support each other and aid in their own recovery by attending FA meetings. At meetings, members share and listen to experience, strength, and hope regarding recovery from food addiction. All meetings are free and open to everyone. Find a meeting here!
How to Find a Sponsor
We ask an FA sponsor to guide us through the recovery program on every level: physical, mental, and spiritual. Every meeting includes an introduction of available sponsors. That’s how most newcomers find sponsors. You can also contact the Newcomer Support and Assistance Committee at newcomersupport@foodaddicts.org for help in finding a sponsor.
FA Podcasts: Stories of Recovery
- FA Podcasts are recordings of members’ individual stories of recovery. You can also read stories on the FA Blog.
- Our FA book, Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous, describes the illness of food addiction and recovery offered by the program. [Note: You can read the first two chapters of the FA book. (FA book sample)]
Tools of the Program
FA and A.A. Literature
Books:
- Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous
- Alcoholics Anonymous (the “Big Book”)
- Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions
- The Little Red Book
- Twenty-Four Hours a Day (see the daily reading here: 24 Hours a Day Reading)
Pamphlets:
THOUGHTS TO HELP CURRENT MEMBERS SUPPORT NEWCOMERS
Sponsor a Newcomer
We pass along the program that was given to us. These resources may help:
Consider reviewing these resources with your own sponsor and sharing your experience with newcomer sponsees.
Help Your Meeting Support Newcomers
Meetings can help newcomers feel welcome, informed, and connected by reviewing these resources:
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Starter Kit & Newcomer Packet Band Template for in-person meetings
Keeping meeting information current is especially important so newcomers do not arrive at an empty room or try to join a virtual meeting that is no longer active.
Interested in Service?
The Newcomer Support and Assistance Subcommittee is looking for members to help. Members must have at least five years of continuous abstinence in FA, be working with an FA sponsor, have completed an in-depth study of the Twelve Steps in sequence, and have knowledge of FA’s Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions.
Contact NSA: NewcomerSupport@foodaddicts.org
updated: 9/14/2026