Aleta Sprague

Originally from Virginia, Aleta graduated from New York University in 2008 with a degree in anthropology and French. She earned a J.D. from UCLA in 2011, specializing in critical race studies. Aleta has interned with the ACLU and World Health Organization, served as Editor-in-Chief of a law journal, and managed a community supported agriculture program in a supportive housing building for formerly homeless and low-income adults. She has also conducted research in Sierra Leone regarding witness protection for survivors of sexual violence, and organized campus events with a human rights student group.

Field placement: Idaho Hunger Relief Taskforce

Boise, Idaho

Working with the Food Stamp Committee, Aleta researched and developed a guide to Idaho’s Food Stamp Program for use by organizations, community groups and service providers throughout the state. The guide’s “train the trainer” format is designed to create a network of community leaders who can provide accurate information about SNAP and dispel myths about the program that deter participation.

Policy placement: New America Foundation

Washington, D.C.

Aleta worked in the domestic Asset Building Program to evaluate how recent state-level reforms to asset limits in public assistance programs have affected administrative costs, program access, error rates and the experiences of both applicants and eligibility workers. She conducted original research by reaching out to state human services administrators and completed a report with a set of policy recommendations.

Hunger Free Community Report

A Guide to Food Stamp Assistance in Idaho is an online, interactive curriculum consisting of six modules, accessible on the Idaho Hunger Relief Task Force’s website. The various modules of the curriculum address eligibility, application methods, using SNAP benefits in Idaho, nutrition education, and rights and responsibilities of participating in the program.