KINGSTON, R.I. -- August 29, 2002 -- Despite the best efforts of hundreds of anti-hunger volunteers and staff, there are still nearly 20,000 Rhode Islanders that go hungry due to lack of resources for adequate food.

"This reality means we must find new, even more creative ways to address hunger and poverty in our own neighborhoods," said Kathleen Gorman, head of the University of Rhode Island’s Feinstein Center for a Hunger Free America.

To help do that, the hunger center, in partnership with the Rhode Island Community Food Bank, is offering a results-oriented eight-session certificate program through URI’s Office of Special Programs for anyone who has a desire to strengthen their skills as a leader in the movement to make Rhode Island hunger-free. Sessions will be held Mondays from 6 to 8 p.m. Sept. 16 though Nov. 18 at the URI Providence Campus, 80 Washington St. (No sessions will be held Oct. 14 or Nov. 11)

Volunteers and staff currently working in Rhode Island's pantry and meal site network and those who are interested in getting more involved are encouraged to register.

The program consists of 20 hours of in-class sessions with URI faculty, anti-hunger advisors and experienced community leaders. Participants will be given some background on the issue of hunger to help them fully understand the problem and the obstacles to overcome it.

Participants will define new strategies to combat the struggles that create hunger and get assistance developing an anti-hunger project to implement at his or her program site or neighborhood.

The hunger center with assistance from the food bank will award mini-grants to certificate graduates to support their project plans. An affordable $80 registration fee is required.
For more information, call the URI Office of Special Programs at 277-5050. Deadline to register is Sept. 7.

For Information: Jan Wenzel, 874-2116