March 29, 2011 - 8:10pm
Campus Clubs: Food Stamp Advocacy Project
BY LIZZY ALFS
Before they even get their law degree, some University Law students are already doing pro bono work.
The Food Stamp Advocacy Project is an organization on campus run by University Law students that aims to make Washtenaw County residents more aware of the availability of public benefits like food stamps and give them easier access to these services by communicating with Michigan’s Department of Human Services.
Second-year Law student Eric Mao, a member of FSAP, said the group tries to offer a “helping hand” to citizens in need.
“There are so many people out there who could benefit from some of the state’s assistance programs,” Mao said. “We try to make sure they don’t fall through the cracks.”
The group has about 60 members who work in a two-step process to inform citizens of the state’s benefits and advocate to DHS after being trained by an internal advisor, according to FSAP co-chair Tripp Adams.
Adams, a third-year Law student, said the members set up screening sites at community centers and shelters like the Delonis Center and Alpha House, both located in Ann Arbor, to help people fill out food stamp applications and cater to any individual needs they may have.
“We also use a budget calculator if people think they should be getting more benefits,” Adams said.
The FSAP members then take the information gathered at the screening sites to analyze trends in people’s benefits and talk to DHS on their behalf.
Adams said the most rewarding part of being a member of FSAP is interacting with people and helping out members of the community in a time of need.
“Food stamp application need is off the chain in Michigan right now,” Adams said. “DHS is completely overloaded. I like screenings because interacting with people is the fun part.”
Adams said in addition to helping clients the group gives members real-life work experience, preparing them for future careers.
“At the screening sites you’re interacting with clients, which is training you, and when you’re writing letters to DHS it’s the same thing you’re going to be doing as an attorney,” he said. .”
