Volunteer to increase awareness of public benefits for those who need it most!

SNAP Farmers Market Outreach

If you want to help alleviate food insecurity and poverty in NYC, then this is the volunteer opportunity for you! Met Council, in partnership with the Food Bank and NYC Coalition against Hunger, aim to reach individuals and families who are eligible for the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program or SNAP (formerly known as Food Stamps) benefits, but are unaware. This summer, you can help us engage customers at farmer’s markets across the city and inform the general public about SNAP eligibility and Met Council services.  Volunteer roles will include tabling with flyers, canvassing throughout the market, and pre-screen potential clients using our web app.

This program targets hard-to-reach groups that are eligible but not enrolled in the Food Stamp Program help to inform members of the community about SNAP eligibility and benefits. Increased access to public benefits such as SNAP can be a powerful tool to combating hunger and poverty in New York City

Up to 600,000 New Yorkers are eligible, but do not participate in the Food Stamp Program. Through printed materials and oral presentations Met Council’s volunteers and enrollment specialists make eligibility rules easier to understand, clear up myths that surround the program, and encourage those eligible for benefits to submit an application.

Volunteer Qualifications:
Age:18 and older
Group or individual: Individual or groups of up to 3
Qualities: Outgoing, not afraid to engage strangers
Commitment: 2 hour orientation, tabling at chosen market at least twice a month

Time and Location: Days and times depend on location of market. Locations include: Forest Hills and Jackson Heights, Queens; Bensonhurst, Brooklyn; Poe Park, Bronx

For more information contact Tiffany Doris at tdoris@metcouncil.org or 212-453-9648