SNAP Outreach – Awakening

We don’t always see what is happening in our own community. We are so busy with our daily lives that if we are not exposed to people outside our vision then maybe it doesn’t exist. It does exist. Hunger. In every part of this state. In every county.

Three months ago I accepted the position of SNAP Outreach Coordinator with the Iowa Food Bank Association, covering half of Iowa – 50 counties.  My passion to help others and to join a team of people who make a real difference brought me here.

To actually be in the presence of hunger each day is an awakening. I see how much of a need there is in every community to help our neighbors with food insecurity.   Each person has a unique story. I see young mothers working to provide for their kids, seniors barely making their income get them through the month and thankful for their next meal, disabled individuals struggling physically just to make it to the local pantry and so thankful for the box of food, and the homeless folks joining others for a community meal and surviving yet another day.  I see each one and help as I can. It is so fulfilling to reach out and do this work. And there really are not enough hours in the day. If you could see what I see … I have truly found my place.

Have you thought about being a volunteer? The Iowa Food Bank Association could use your help!  If you are interested in becoming a SNAP Outreach Volunteer and assisting in the fight against hunger by helping individuals sign up for SNAP benefits, please contact me at 319-529-0566 or tlwinkey@iowafba.org. 

Teri Winkey, Iowa Food Bank Association SNAP Outreach Coordinator

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