SNAP Volunteer (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)

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SNAP Outreach Program Overview

The Food Bank for Central and Northeast Missouri’s SNAP Application Assistance and Outreach Program educates communities about the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, also referred to as food stamps) and assists neighbors in navigating the application process. In 2021, the SNAP team assisted with 704 applications.

Volunteer Experience

Volunteers provide important support to our team by assisting with application referrals and administrative tasks associated with outreach activities. Volunteering with the SNAP Outreach Program is meaningful because volunteers will have the chance to directly interact with neighbors in need of support, and will gain an understanding of how this federal program impacts those in our community as well as gain professional skills. Our SNAP volunteers could assist with any of the following tasks: over-the-phone SNAP application assistance, in-person application assistance at community agencies/organizations, data entry, data management, and/or office services. TFB prioritizes flexibility with volunteers; we will match you up with duties that best match your skillset, comfort level, and interest.

Volunteer Skills

We are looking for someone with the following skillset:

• Basic computer skills; typing and data entry
• Comfort with talking on the phone (one phone call can last up to 30 minutes)
• Basic skills with data and numbers
• Compassionate, patient, and willing to help our neighbors
• Exceptional listening skills
• Attention to detail

* If you do not have all of the above skills but are still interested in volunteering, please reach out to us and we will find the best project for you to support your mission.

Time Commitment

We ask that our SNAP volunteers commit to serving at least 6 months of their time to The Food Bank. The training process will take 2-4 weeks, depending on how often you volunteer on a weekly basis. Volunteers are welcome to serve 1-4 hours each day, Monday-Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. We encourage volunteers to serve at least once per week, and on a consistent schedule (Ex: Every Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.). You will set your schedule during training with the SNAP team.

After serving 6 months with The Food Bank, there is an opportunity to advance to a Lead SNAP Volunteer role in which volunteers can transition into a leadership position. They will receive more advanced tasks and can supervise other volunteers.