Driven by a profound dedication to addressing global injustices, Katie Tzivanis pursued a B.A. in Urban Studies at the New School. Katie's fervent interests lie at the confluence of public education reform and food security, with a particular emphasis on the detrimental effects of hunger on educational experiences and graduation rates. Throughout her undergraduate years, Katie directed her endeavors towards comprehensively assessing the extent of food insecurity at The New School while simultaneously devising initiatives aimed at eradicating hunger on campus. Notably, she spearheaded the establishment of various programs, including meal-sharing initiatives and community dinners. Guided by the empowering potential of education, Katie has wholeheartedly committed herself to the pursuit of an equitable public education system—one that provides every child, regardless of their race, socioeconomic status, or ability, with the necessary resources to break the generational cycles of emotional, intellectual, and financial poverty that currently plague our nation.
Field placement: UCI Basic Needs Center
Irvine, California
CalFresh is one of the best programs to alleviate student food insecurity because of its sustainability. With the recent ending of the Federal Public Health Emergency, Katie’s project focuses on expanding CalFresh student eligibility on campus and increasing the number of eligible students applying for benefits with permanent academic and professional program exemptions.
Policy placement: Feeding America
Washington, D.C.
Katie is working with Feeding America to support SNAP advocacy efforts through a multi-state grant, focusing on bolstering state policies that expand SNAP access. Katie’s role involves collaborating with the policy team and the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities to develop a SNAP database for state advocates.