Rider Students Recognized for Food Stamp Program

Editor's Note: The following is a news release that was issued by Rider University.

The Rider University Bonner Community Scholar Food Stamp Outreach Team was honored by the Princeton Human Services during the 10th Annual Community Networking Breakfast and Community Spirit Awards on Nov. 1.
 
Last academic year, Thomas Saladino, a junior psychology major, and Kaitlyn Ramsen, a sophomore accounting major, developed a Food Stamp Enrollment Program through the Princeton Human Services.

Last year, these students provided outreach to the Princeton community and assisted about 60 individuals with their food stamp applications.
 
Saladino said he was asked by Annie Pasqua, assistant director of Campus Life for Service Learning to develop the program as part of AmeriCorps’ Learning to End Hunger Campaign and serve as a site team leader.

This year, Saladino, Ramsen and Victoria Barton, a freshman computer information systems major, are working on ways to expand the program to other non-profit organizations and will continue to educate students about the program.
 
Saladino said his classes in psychology and criminal justice and his experience with leading the Food Stamp Enrollment Program have been eye-opening.
 
“It makes me aware of more policy issues. Through my law courses, I am able understand how welfare and food stamps work, and where the money comes from,” Saladino said. “Meanwhile, the experience I have gained with the Food Stamp Enrollment Program, gives me a different view in my classes.”