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Food Insecurity

Posted almost 4 years ago by Meredith Roberts

Help for Food Insecurity

Hunger is a growing crisis across the country including Vermont. Here in Vermont, 25% of people responded to an April survey saying they are experiencing food insecurity — a 33% increase just in the first month of this crisis. Nutrition programs and food shelves throughout the state are seeing huge increases in the numbers of Vermonters seeking help, many for the first time. If you or someone you know is struggling to put food on the table, call 2-1-1 for more information about nutrition assistance programs and local food shelves available in Vermont. You may also call the Vermont Foodbank at 1-800-585-2265.

Congress passed two bills that include provisions to help Americans feed their families: the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (known as "Families First") and the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. 

State of Vermont and groups such as Hunger Free Vermont and the Vermont Foodbank are working hard to take advantage of the funding and flexibilities included in these laws to feed as many Vermonters as possible. 

Legislators are working to expand the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), known in Vermont as 3SquaresVT. Senator Sanders cosponsored the Closing the Meal Gap Act to increase SNAP benefit levels, and is working with Senator Leahy and Congressman Welch to ask Secretary Purdue to use his authority to purchase dairy products, to provide Vermonters with nutritious food options while also helping our struggling Vermont dairy farmers. Vermont has expanded online delivery options for SNAP participantswhich are being implemented now. 

If your financial situation has changed due to COVID-19 — such as lost wages, or an increase in care expenses — you may be eligible to receive 3SquaresVT. Families receive EBT cards, which are used like a debit card, to help purchase food monthly. Please share this information with others needing help as well

Frequently Asked Questions:

Who is eligible to receive 3SquaresVT benefits?

Those with a household income equal to or less than 185% of the federal poverty level (FPL) are eligible to receive 3Squares— that would be under $893 per week for a family of four. 

Households with someone over the age of 60 with a disability, but have an income over 185% of FPL, may still qualify.

Households that have children and receive the Vermont Earned Income Tax Credit are eligible.

Many Vermont farmers' markets accept EBT. A full list of markets can be found here: https://nofavt.org/find-organic-local-food/farmers-markets, and farm stands here: https://nofavt.org/find-organic-local-food/farm-stands

How to Apply to SNAP:

  • Apply online at https://dcf.vermont.gov/mybenefits or call 1-800-479-6151
    • You can request a paper application by calling the number listed above. Upon completing, make a copy for your records and send it to:
      • DCF/Economic Services Division, Application and Document Processing,      280 State Drive, Waterbury, VT, 05671-1020
  • Submit verification documentation online through DCF-ESD's document uploader here, either by scanning documentation, or taking pictures of the documents and uploading them into the system. 
  • Need help with your application? To get help applying dial 2-1-1 or text 'VFBSNAP' to 855-11
    • If you are 60 or older, call the Senior Helpline at 1-800-642-5119 for personalized assistance.
  • Due to social distancing, Department of Children and Families is asking that people not apply in person at this time. 

Upcoming Food Distribution

The Vermont National Guard partnered with the Foodbank to distribute nearly 600,000 meals to Vermonters in need in April and early May. 

Two Vermont organizations, The Abby Group and Willing Hands Enterprises, received $5.5 million in USDA contracts to distribute Farmers to Families Food Boxes. The Abby Group is working with the Foodbank and the National Guard to distribute these local food boxes. If you need food, go to the following locations from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m

  • May 26: Chittenden County — Burlington Area TBD
  • May 27: Windham County — 131 Fairground Rd, Brattleboro 
  • May 28: Franklin County — 629 Airport Rd, Swanton
  • May 29: Caledonia County — 2107 Pudding Hill Rd, Lyndonville

Anyone is welcome to pick up food. Each household member can either receive one box of non-perishable food, or each household can receive a box of local food, including 2 gallons of Vermont milk, one 20-pound box of cooked chicken, one large box of assorted fresh produce, and one box of Cabot dairy products.

School Meals

If your family has children ages 18 and under, you can access free school meals from your school district despite schools being closed due to COVID-19. Federal legislation and action by the State of Vermont has created flexibility for all families to access these meals. Contact your local school district or 2-1-1 to determine the best way to receive meals locally. 

Families First created the Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) program, a supplemental food purchasing program to provide nutritional resources to families while schools are closed. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently approved Vermont to offer P-EBT, which will provide $14 million to 48,000 Vermont children this year. P-EBT provides households an EBT card with money equal to the free school breakfast and lunch reimbursement rates for the days that schools are closed.

Families with eligible children will receive the value of free meals through P-EBT for the length of time school has been closed. The daily total is $5.70. Vermont has determined that the total benefit will be $387.60 per eligible child. Vermont Department of Children & Families P-EBT FAQ sheet here.

Woman Infants Children

WIC program provides healthy food, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and resources to women, children, and families. If your income has been affected due to the current crisis, and you are pregnant or have a child under five, WIC can help provide nutritious foods and resources to keep your family healthy.

How to Apply:

  • Apply online here: https://www.healthvermont.gov/children-youth-families/wic/apply
  • Or text "VTWIC" to 855-11
  • Completing the application is the first step to enroll in WIC. Your eligibility is determined during an appointment with WIC nutrition staff. 
    • Right now, the requirement to be physically present during your appointment has been waived. These appointments are occurring over the phone.
  • For more information call 1-800-464-4343

Seniors

Meal delivery programs for seniors, like Meals on Wheels, contact the Senior Helpline at 1-800-642-5119, or visit: https://www.vermont4a.org/meals-nutrition

Vermont Area Agencies on Aging site: https://dcf.vermont.gov/partners/aaa.

SNAP (3squaresVT) can help address senior hunger, as well as the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP). The CSFP program provides older adults with a box of food monthly, which can be picked up at a local food shelf.

  • To apply for SNAP (3squaresVT), call 1-800-479-6151 or : https://dcf.vermont.gov/mybenefits
  • To sign up for CSFP, contact the Vermont Food Bank at 1-800-214-4648, or call 2-1-1