A Mission To Fight Hunger

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A MISSION TO FIGHT HUNGER

The following story appeared in "At The Table" - a publication of the U.S.D.A. Food & Nutrition Service

SNAP

We usually think of a hospital as a place where people go for help with physical ailments or medical emergencies. But one Chicago hospital is dispensing much more than health care to the people of its community. Saint Anthony Hospital is on a mission to reduce hunger and poverty by connecting eligible people to vital public benefits and services, including USDA’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

Saint Anthony Hospital is deeply rooted in its southwest side community. It has supported community based services for
almost 20 years, and its Community Wellness Program (CWP), opened in 2009, expanded that commitment. The CWP offers an array of free services, including a public benefits and referral services program to help link eligible people to SNAP and other benefit programs. The hospital serves two impoverished communities – one primarily Latino and one mainly African-American. Both populations often encounter barriers to accessing SNAP. In addition to language barriers, potentially eligible Latino families with mixed immigration status or undocumented members may be afraid to apply for SNAP because of a fear of deportation. Nationally, only about 50% of eligible Latinos participate in SNAP, compared to an overall rate of 72%.

Altagracia Guzman, Public Benefits Specialist, in front of a mural at the CWP. The mural represents the culture of the surrounding Mexican community and hospital leaders whose vision shaped Saint Anthony’s CWP.

Altagracia Guzman, Public Benefits Specialist, in front of a mural at the CWP. The mural represents the culture of the surrounding Mexican community and hospital leaders whose vision shaped Saint Anthony’s CWP.

Saint Anthony Hospital’s CWP offers a trusted, welcoming place for people to come for help. “By building trust, we can capitalize on word of mouth referrals,” says Leslie Fiedler, CWP Coordinator. CWP bilingual staff members serve as “cultural brokers,” helping clients navigate complex public benefits systems. They work one-on-one with SNAP applicants to screen them for eligibility, help complete applications, and follow up on the outcomes. They also provide translation services,
advocate for clients, conduct numerous public informational meetings and events and create targeted messaging about eligibility for mixed immigration status families. Last year, the CWP helped 310 clients successfully apply for SNAP. In fiscal year 2012, their goal is to help 600 clients with application assistance and case management.

The CWP works hard to build good relationships with many community partners. Their staff attend regular meetings sponsored by the Illinois Hunger Coalition at local Illinois Department of Human Services offices to stay abreast of SNAP changes and advocate for culturally sensitive policies. The CWP also receives SNAP outreach funding from the Illinois Coalition of Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR), an approved State SNAP outreach partner.

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More Information

Formerly known as “Food Stamps” and also referred to as the LINK card, SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) helps people with little or no income buy nutritious food.

To qualify, you must be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident of 5 years or more, and meet income requirements.

Children who are U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents can still receive assistance even if their parents don’t qualify. You do not need to have children to qualify for SNAP.

Our staff can help you apply, just call us at (773) 523-5079.

Saint Anthony Hospital | 2875 W. 19th St, Chicago, IL 60623 | (773) 484-1000