Feinstein Center for a Hunger Free America
The URI Feinstein Center for a Hunger Free America is an educational center committed to developing solutions to the problem of hunger in Rhode Island and nationwide. The center promotes education, research, and outreach on the causes and the consequences of hunger and the study of policies and programs aimed at alleviating hunger.
The Hunger Center provides an avenue for students and the community to work together to understand the issues facing low-income people. Students are challenged through the interdisciplinary experiences as they engage in a didactic learning process with our community partners (i.e. social service agencies, volunteer organizations, state government). The work of the Hunger Center not only enhances a student's individual professional training, but their lives, and the lives of those around them. The Hunger Center responds to the URI mission statement through its commitment to "students' ethical development ... and addressing the rapidly changing needs of the state, the country, and the world".
The center provides multiple avenues for involvement through academic course work, research experience, internship, for credit or employment opportunities, and a minor in Hunger Studies.
The URI Feinstein Center for a Hunger Free America was founded in 1999 as a partnership between the Feinstein Foundation and the University of Rhode Island. The Hunger Center is housed in Kingston, 309 Ranger Hall, with an additional office in room 207 at the URI Providence campus.
Meet Our Outreach Workers!
Outreach Workers are URI students, trained to answer questions about SNAP, who work throughout communities to help low-income Rhode Islanders, including families, seniors, disabled individuals, and immigrants, apply for SNAP benefits.
Cate
Major: Nutrition
“People seem to hear these horror stories about how busy and complicated the application process is so many aren’t even willing to try, and that’s where we come in.” - Kristen
Liz Justin
Major: Nutrition Major: Biology and Philosophy
“People are facing evictions, they don’t have money to go back to school, once they get the facts they are realizing that SNAP benefits can really make a difference. Others are surprised to find out they can have a car and a home and still qualify.” - Justin
Christina
Major: Nursing
"It's amazing to see the struggles our neighbors go through, each with their own story. Being able to be there, and lend a hand is satisfying, from filling out applications to answering small questions. Seeing people's faces light up makes our work more rewarding." - DJ
Ricky Mel
Major: Psychology Major: Human Development & Families
Ruddy
Major: Electrical Engineering
“It’s really satisfying to relieve the burden for people. For people struggling, a little can go a long way.” - Ruddy
Portia
Major: Biology and Women's Studies
“SNAP really helps people to be able to afford the necessities, it helps them stop from choosing between eating and paying for other things they need.” - Portia
Have you heard about snap?
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance
Program is the new name for the Food Stamp Program.
Learn more about the SNAP Outreach Project or to access a benefits application:
What's new at the hunger center
The Restaurant Meals Program comes to Rhode Island
Now there is a way for homeless, elderly, and disabled SNAP recipients to buy hot, prepared meals. The Restaurant Meals Program uses the same SNAP benefits and EBT cards to allow certain low-income individuals to buy low-cost meals at participating locations. Eligible individuals are the homeless, elderly, and disabled who may not have access to food storage or preparation.
For more information about the Restaurant Meals Program, visit www.snaprmp.org.
For more information about the Restaurant Meals Program in RI, visit www.eatbettertoday.com
PREVIOUS HUNGER CENTER NEWS
SNAP Outreach Coordinator takes part in Food Stamp Challenge
University Students Respond to Hurricane Irene
Pres. Dooley mentions the Hunger Center in his most recent "Conversation with URI"
Kathleen Gorman speaks at Hungry for Answers conference
