The Outreach team was nominated by Dr. Kathleen Gorman, Professor of Psychology and Director of the URI Feinstein Center for a Hunger Free America. The selection process involves the completion of an an application including a personal statement from the nominee(s), and gathering letters of recommendation. In addition to Dr. Gorman, Jay Burdick of United Way 2-1-1 supported the SNAP Outreach Team with a letter of recommendation.  The chosen finalists are interviewed by a selection panel and are honored at the Rainville Student Leadership Awards Banquet, where the award winners are announced.

The SNAP Outreach Team is a group of undergraduate students employed by the Feinstein Center for a Hunger Free America. They work together to assist low-income Rhode Islanders access benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as Food Stamps). Outreach workers undergo extensive training and participate in professional development meetings once a week to ensure successful client assistance. Outreach workers answer questions about SNAP and help eligible individuals complete applications in the community, while also staffing a toll-free hotline about SNAP to callers across Rhode Island. In accomplishing the goal of increased access to nutrition assistance, outreach workers learn skills in communication, problem-solving, and empathetic listening.

Along with the winning team, M.U.S.I.C. (Multicultural Unity and Student Involvement Council) the Outreach team joined Best Buddies, Habitat for Humanity, and the Student Entertainment Committee as a finalist. Congratulations to the SNAP Outreach Team and all of the finalists!

Pictured From left: Ethan Snow, Rachael Holmes, Wilson Flores, Andy Rithiphong, Sara Quaresma.  

Team members not pictured: Elise Hayes, Olivia Minardi, Tracy Partica, Helen Prates, Abigail Tubman