Originally from Glastonbury, Connecticut, Benjamin graduated from Fordham University in 2007 with a degree in philosophy and Latin American and Latino studies. He has studied in El Salvador with the Casa de la Solidaridad program, and worked with various social justice communities, including the Grupo de Solidaridad in rural Nicaragua and Catholic Worker houses in the U.S.
Field placement: Community Farm Alliance
Louisville, Kentucky
Ben helped establish relationships between CFA members and corner store owners in order to increase access to fresh, local food in Louisville's food deserts. He also helped facilitate two membership driven initiatives: Stone Soup Community Kitchen and Louisville Urban Gardeners Guild.
Policy placement: Migrant Legal Action Program
Washington, D.C.
Ben researched barriers that English Language Learners in the United States face when they try to access federal health and nutrition programs. He wrote a report on the availability of translated materials for this population in the SNAP, WIC, Medicaid, and school meals programs.