Victoria Negus joined MLRI's Benefits Unit in 2012 as a policy advocate. A graduate of Brandeis University, Vicky served at MLRI initially as an AmeriCorps Member through 2014. She has continued at MLRI working on special projects focused on federal nutrition programs and food security. Vicky was a key part of MLRI’s legal team that stopped the Department of Transitional Assistance from cutting off SNAP benefits on the basis of a flawed computer match. The lawsuit could not have been filed or maintained without Vicky’s ability to identify plaintiffs and figure out the facts to include in their affidavits. Her expertise in systems and policy issues contributed to a settlement that included payment of $9.4 million in SNAP benefits to households whose cases had been closed improperly. Vicky is co-author of numerous SNAP advocacy materials including the SNAP Advocacy Guide, and co-coordinates the Massachusetts SNAP Coalition. Vicky also provides technical assistance to local legal services programs and community organizations on SNAP policy issues as well as trainings on SNAP policy issues at a state and national level.