Volunteer as a SNAP/Food Stamp Outreach Specialist with the D.C. EITC Campaign
D.C. Hunger Solutions is teaming up with the D.C. EITC Campaign to provide SNAP/Food Stamp outreach at free tax sites in the city. Why do this outreach? Often people who are eligible to receive the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) also are eligible to receive SNAP (the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance program, formerly known as Food Stamps).
Pairing outreach for these two programs erases many of the barriers that people encounter when trying to apply for SNAP/Food Stamps. It also means extra benefits for families that are struggling. Together, EITC and SNAP/Food Stamps could mean more than $10,000 per year in benefits for a family of three with one minimum wage worker.
And in this economy, it’s especially important to get the word out about SNAP/Food Stamps. Many people are struggling, and SNAP/Food Stamps can help them put healthy food on the table. We know that the recession has increased the number of people who are unemployed or underemployed, and may be eligible as a result. In fact, nearly 46 million people now participate in SNAP – 18 million more than at the start of the recession in 2008, showing both the impact of the recession and the ability of the SNAP/Food Stamp program to respond in times of need.
D.C. has a long history, however, of making SNAP/Food Stamp outreach a top priority. Recent analysis from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) showed that D.C. was reaching 86 percent of eligible people with SNAP benefits in December 2008. This snapshot of participation right before the start of the recession highlights the great work being accomplished by the Economic Security Administration (Formerly known as the Income Maintenance Administration) and advocates across the city to reach eligible people.
Additionally, the District has been recognized by USDA for several years in a row for its outstanding customer service among state agencies administering the SNAP/Food Stamp Program, and has been one of the few states to receive awards for both timely application processing and program participation. Furthermore, recent changes to D.C.’s SNAP program rules, like the elimination of the asset test and expanded categorical eligibility mean that even more working families could be eligible.
By conducting outreach where people shop, play, live, and even file taxes, we’ll ensure the SNAP/Food Stamp program reaches everyone who needs it.
Sign up here to volunteer as a SNAP/Food Stamp outreach specialist with the D.C. EITC Campaign. Volunteers are asked to commit to a three-to four hour shift at a tax site for the duration of tax season (approximately 11 weeks). Shifts are available on weekends and evenings- and no previous experience with SNAP is required. All volunteers must attend a training to be scheduled for mid-January 2012.
To learn more about who is eligible for the EITC, and site locations and hours of operation, visit the D.C. EITC Campaign website.
