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ADVOCACY AND COMMUNITY OUTREACH

The very existence of a food bank is an advocacy statement for those who suffer from hunger.  The Capital Area Food Bank decided to become more than a statement by establishing an advocacy department.  Based on the mission of the food bank, this department's goals revolve around informing, educating, and empowering the community.  Advocacy and Community Outreach seeks to:

• Promote and provide information on federal and local supplemental feeding programs;
• Assist community members and organizations in applying for supplemental feeding programs;
• Lead education discussions and workshops in increase the awareness and knowledge of hunger and poverty;
• Increase awareness in the community of the food bank and its programs.

Some of the ways we work toward these goals include:

• Face Hunger™ (see below);
• The Food Stamp Initiative (see below);
• Testifying and participating in public hearings;
• Participating in coalitions and collaboratives that enhance the mission and work of the food bank;
• Acting as a resource for information on policies and programs that impact the community we serve.

Face Hunger™

Face Hunger™ works to raise awareness and understanding of hunger through a role-play and discussion workshop.  Each participant receives a profile with information about the identity, income and resources available to a person at risk of hunger.  It engages participants, helps them explore the realities of hunger issues and creates opportunities to respond actively and appropriately to such issues.  It is effectively used with a wide variety of audiences: business, civic, political, faith-based, middle and high school, university, and social service. 

For more information or to schedule a session, email Reuben Gist at gistr@cfoodbank.org or call (202) 526-5344 ext 295.

Food Stamp Initiative

The Food Stamp Initiative is designed to educate persons about the federal Food Stamp Program and application process and assist those persons in applying for benefits.  Food Stamp benefits help eligible individuals and families buy food, freeing up more of their resources to pay for other expenses, such as rent or medical care, and because they are federal benefits, their use benefits our local community.

We are looking for volunteers to assist us with food stamp outreach through our Food Stamp Initiative.  Currently we are seeking volunteers for two kinds of opportunities:

• We are training volunteers to assist persons interested in applying for Food Stamps understand the process they are about to enter, the benefits the program provides, eligibility guidelines, and requirements.  These volunteers will also assist persons in completing food stamp applications, identifying supporting documentation, and getting their applications submitted to the correct office.  Outreach efforts will take place at a variety of sites around the metropolitan area, and the volunteer will be able to set a schedule fitting his or her time of availability.  Evening and weekend hours will be available.  This work is not for high school students or younger individuals.  Bilingual skills are a plus but are not required.
• Volunteers are also being sought to assist with special outreach efforts such as disseminating information, distributing flyers, making telephone calls, conducting interviews, and collecting information.  Specialized training will be provided.  High school age interested parties are welcome for this opportunity.  Again, bilingual skills are a plus but are not required.

For more information email belchera@cfoodbank.org or gistr@cfoodbank.org or call (202) 526-5344 ext. 304

Take Action

• You can help in the struggle to end hunger by writing letters to elected officials.
• You can make phone calls to elected officials.
• You can participate in outreach activities through the Capital Area Food Bank and other organizations such as those listed below.  For more information about advocacy at the Food Bank, please contact Reuben Gist at (202) 526-5344 ext. 295 or by email: gistr@cfoodbank.org.

Links to important web sites for advocacy

• Bread for the World
  www.bread.org
  Christian organization that seeks justice for the world's hungry people by lobbying our nation's decision makers.  This site provides sample letters for use in writing to Congress.
• The President of the United States and Congress
  Email: president@whitehouse.gov, vice.president@whitehouse.gov, www.congress.gov
  You can send a letter to your congressional representatives by typing in your zip code on this web site.
• Congressional Hunger Center
  www.hungercenter.org Outgrowth of the Congressional Select Committee on Hunger. The center provides educational resources and fellowships focusing on direct service and hunger policy.
• DC Action for Children
  www.dckids.org
  A multi-issue advocacy organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for children living in the District of Columbia.
• Food Research and Action Center (FRAC)
  www.frac.org
  National hunger advocacy and research organization. The site contains extensive information about hunger policy, news and reports.
• Mayor of Washington, D.C.
  www.dc.gov/mayor/index.shtm
• United States Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service
  www.fns.usda.gov/fns/
  Federal agency that administers food stamps, school meals and the Emergency Food Assistance Program. The site features publications, participation requirements and program data.