Want to Fight Poverty and Hunger in the World?
You can do it right here in Montgomery County where over 60,000 of your neighbors experience hunger and food insecurity. Many of these people are seniors who struggle every day to get enough nutritious food due to lack of financial resources.
SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistant Program) is a Federal Government program also known as Food Stamps that provides eligible Maryland seniors over the age of 62 with a minimum benefit amount of $30 a month to supplement their food budget. Unfortunately, the majority of Montgomery County qualifying seniors do not apply for the benefit.
The Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services and Community Action Agency in collaboration with the Montgomery County Food Council and Maryland Hunger Solutions are joining forces to advance the recommendations of the County’s Food Security Plan in creating a Senior Hunger and SNAP Outreach Program aimed at helping eligible seniors understand and apply for SNAP benefits.
Volunteer Training:
- Learn about the SNAP program eligibility and income requirements
- Learn how to use the MY DHR website
- Learn about other food assistance programs in the County
- Learn about other programs available to seniors
Volunteer Duties:
- Work in teams of two or three volunteers attending events at senior centers, senior housing communities, health fairs, farmers markets, and other public places to do outreach to seniors. Events may be during the day, evening and on weekends.
- You may be able to choose the times and locations that are most convenient to you.
- Raise awareness of SNAP and help seniors understand the eligibility requirements and benefits of participating.
- Assist with Pre-screening for SNAP eligibility and help seniors complete on-line and in paper SNAP applications.
- Provide information on other resources to access nutritious food to ineligible seniors.
- Assist seniors in applying for other food assistance benefits in Montgomery County.
- Assist County community partners build capacity by conducting SNAP outreach and education at their sites.
Requirements:
- Passion for helping others and a desire to make a difference in your community.
- Sensitivity, friendliness, tact and kind demeanor in working multicultural senior population.
- Must attend one SNAP outreach training session in full.
- Must complete online HIPPA assessment, volunteer registration form and Confidentiality Agreement.
- Four months commitment, 8 hours per month. Shifts are on 2-3 hours and are flexible; you will be able to chose times and locations that are best for you.
- Ability to use computers, conduct website research and use MS Windows environment.
- Own transportation or ability to travel to different locations in the county.
Bilingual skills a plus, SNAP participants and seniors encouraged to apply!
Respond to this opportunity or contact Diana Tato-Niktash at diana.tato-niktash@montgomerycountymd.gov or 240-777-3404
