New team member aims to reach Hispanic neighbors
September 26, 2024
While there’s more to bridging a cultural gap than language, shared language can provide a first step –and a solid foundation – for mutually beneficial conversations. That’s why the Food Bank of Delaware welcomes Melissa Campino (pictured left with Stand By Me Financial Coach Marilyn Ramirez) as our new Community Engagement Coordinator.
Campino’s position — new to the Food Bank – is partially funded through the Arsht Cannon Fund who provides grants for educational projects managed by agencies serving Hispanic communities. Her goals are to assist Hispanic neighbors in applying for SNAP and other benefits, while dispelling myths about programs that could benefit them. Recent statistics show that although 1 in 4 Hispanic families in Delaware live with food insecurity, many are reluctant to seek help outside their own communities.
“This will help us be more thoughtful about our engagement with our Hispanic neighbors,” said Economic Mobility Director Megan Zavala.
On the job for just a month, Campino has already developed a strong presence in our Milford facility’s Healthy Pantry Center by assisting Spanish speaking neighbors access services – and food – despite communication challenges. For example, she can support neighbors navigating the registration process in an approachable manner.
She’s also helped Amanda Foulger, the center’s manager, in creating signs and labels in Spanish and Haitian Creole, and she’s planning to assist in content creation for more culturally relevant materials in neighbors’ own language.
“It’s about creating a foundation of trust and engagement,” said Campino, noting that Latino and Hispanic communities are varied, even within a single zip code. “Just because we are similar, doesn’t mean we are the same.”
She notes that some neighbors may have dealt with barriers to education in their native countries, and not all speak the same dialect or have the same food preferences.
“Some may not have had an opportunity, and that’s why they are here, for their families and their children. I will be the Food Bank’s face at events, and since I speak their native tongue, they will be more comfortable,” she added.
Part of her mission is to recruit more regular Spanish and Haitian Creole speaking volunteers for the Food Bank, especially those who can lend a hand in the Healthy Pantry Center.
“It is a daunting task, with all the churches, and with agencies like LaEsperanza and LaRed, we want to be a face at the table, part of the trusted networks,” Campino said.
Zavala agrees. A big part of outreach is being out in the communities. “We will meet Hispanic families where they are, in their neighborhoods and at mobile pantries,” she said. “We will approach them with sensitivity and understanding.”
Campino can be reached in English or Spanish at mcampino@fbd.org or text (302) 894-7654.
