Alexis Lahr Email Address

TEFAP Coordinator

The mission of the Capital Area Food Bank is to feed those who suffer from hunger in the Washington metro area by acquiring food and distributing it through its network of partner agencies; and educating, empowering and enlightening the community about the issues of hunger and nutrition. Each year the CAFB distributes 42 million pounds of food, including 17 million pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables, to over 500 partner agencies.

I am a junior at George Mason University in Fairfax, VA. I am currently pursuing a BA with a minor in Nutrition. My interests lie in public policy, specifically economic mobility, welfare programs, indigenous rights, and anti- hunger initiatives. In January 2014 I began working with FACETS, a non-profit organization in Fairfax, VA that works to end poverty and homelessness in Fairfax County. In Spring 2014, I led Catch Kids Club, a program to improve childhood nutrition and fitness. When Catch Kids concluded, I organized another fitness class for the fall. Luckily, I was given the opportunity to lead Catch Kids again this year, and it has been great to introduce more kids to healthy habits. After I began my work at FACETS, I was inspired to pursue an independent research project on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) through a grant awarded to me by Mason's Intensive Summer Undergraduate Research Scholars Program. I conducted interview based research with both scholars and residents in subsidized housing to collect original data. I have developed an awareness of policy issues related to federal aid, affordable housing, and mobility. This semester I look forward to submitting my research paper for publication.Additionally, I am an active member of the Alternative Breaks program at George Mason University. In 2013 and 2014 I was a participant in the AB trip to the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota, and I was happy to be chosen as a group leader for this year's upcoming trip. In this position, I have spent the last year working to fund-raise, recruit participants, and develop a pre-trip curriculum and team building program to enhance the trip. My interests and experiences can be summed up into one goal: to create a basic level of opportunity for all individuals. I am seeking a summer internship where I can learn more about legislation and policy choices that will help low-income individuals to achieve opportunity.