Who are the SNAP Ambassadors?
Real Food for Kids SNAP Ambassadors are community members trained to work alongside Real Food for Kids and the Arlington Department of Human Services** at SNAP Enrollment Clinics and Outreach Events providing information and assisting eligible residents in applying for SNAP benefits.
SNAP, or SNAP-EBT, is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program that provides benefits to low-income individuals and families to supplement their grocery budgets to purchase healthy foods. Formerly known as Food Stamps, SNAP recently expanded to reach more eligible individuals and families and reduce food insecurity.
Community members can certify as SNAP Ambassadors by taking a 40-minute self-paced, online training. This training covers:
- What is SNAP and Who is Eligible
- Changes in Eligibility and Work Requirements from HR1
- Facts and Myths About SNAP: Addressing Misinformation
- How SNAP Benefits are Issued
- Where SNAP Benefits Can Be Used and What They Can Buy
- Ways to Apply for SNAP and the Required Documentation
- Tips for Discussing SNAP during Outreach Events
Following the training, participants complete a short quiz to be certified as SNAP Ambassadors. A SNAP Ambassador Quick Reference Guide is available to download following the training.
Opportunities to volunteer at SNAP Enrollment Clinics or in other public settings are communicated to Ambassadors as they are scheduled. Bilingual speakers are highly sought (Spanish, Indo-European, and Asian/Pacific Island speakers).
Click here to access the SNAP Ambassador Training.
By registering for Real Food for Kids’ Moodle service, you will also be able to enroll in the NEW Virginia SUN Bucks Outreach Training! In 15 minutes, you will learn how to connect community members with this new program that delivers $120 in benefits to feed children over the summer!
