In the Denver area, you might run into a woman sitting at a table near a sign that reads, “APPLY FOR FOOD STAMPS HERE.” If she isn’t with a client, she’s scanning the crowd. Some people she’ll let pass but others, she’ll call over. “I love interacting with people,” Ninfa said. “I love to provide them help and give them hope to have a better life by making them feel supported.”
“The sheer number of people that she helps daily, and her exceptional customer service set her apart as a model for SNAP outreach.” – Brett Reeder
As our mobile outreach manager, Ninfa works in communities to connect households with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and other nutrition services. “For the last seven years, Ninfa has set the standard for compassion, professionalism, and impact in helping community members access nutritious food,” said Hunger Free Colorado’s Director of Client Services, Brett Reeder. “She constantly goes above and beyond to support families and works tirelessly to improve access within immigrant communities.”
The Pandemic and Outreach
When the pandemic started, Hunger Free Colorado ended in-person outreach to protect the team’s safety. Ninfa switched to support the work of our Food Resource Hotline. But her true passion lies in helping others face-to-face. So, she waited, helped, and hoped for the vaccines to come and allow her to return to the community.
“For me to serve others is a commitment, not just a job,” she said. “I strongly believe that all people have the right to have enough nutritious food for their family.”
Thankfully, she’s now returning to her element. Community members in the Denver area will continue to meet, be heard, and be helped by Ninfa. “As a food justice warrior, I will continue supporting our mission and other organizations that fight for this human right until all people are treated with dignity and respect,” Ninfa said.
In person and over the phone, our SNAP outreach teams connect our neighbors to vital nutrition programs. Our staff members, including Ninfa, visit multiple community locations and take calls on our free Food Resource Hotline. (Read about what it’s like working on the hotline in this article by Carly Caprio, a bilingual food assistance specialist.) Another way we support SNAP participation is through our free training, tools, and support to community partners across the state.
On-Site Assistance – Denver Metro
Ninfa, alongside other members of our hotline team, visits community sites in the Denver metro area to provide on-site food insecurity screenings, application assistance, and connect Coloradans to local, no-cost food resources. This service is available in English and Spanish.
Food Resource Hotline – Statewide
Available Monday through Friday (8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.), our Food Resource Hotline staff members connect Coloradans to nutrition resources. This one-stop resource helps clients navigate federal and charitable programs, locate community food sites, and more. This service is available in English and Spanish.
SNAP PEAS (Partners Engaging in Application Services) – Statewide
With their strong local connections, SNAP PEAS are uniquely qualified to help overcome the barriers to services that too many families experiencing hardship face. Our partnering SNAP PEAS include local WIC agencies, food pantries and food banks, family resource centers, county Departments of Human Services, medical providers, soup kitchens, colleges and universities, legal aid offices, community farms & food organizations, and immigrant and unique culture group support agencies.
If your organization is interested in partnering with Hunger Free Colorado on SNAP outreach, please visit our website.