Get food help
We all deserve nutritious and delicious food that fits our personal and cultural needs.
Here is information about some of the many programs in Vermont that might be helpful for you.
We are working hard to keep this page up to date with the latest changes. Click on the headings to learn more.
3SquaresVT +
3SquaresVT (also known nationally as SNAP) is a program that provides people with money every month to buy food. When you use 3SquaresVT, you can shop where and when you want.
Each month, money is automatically deposited onto a Vermont EBT card, which looks and works just like a debit card. Your EBT card can be used to buy groceries at over 600 food retailers in Vermont, more than 40 farmers markets, and anywhere in the U.S. that accepts EBT. A family of five could receive up to $1,155 a month to buy groceries.
Nearly 70,000 Vermonters get 3SquaresVT benefits every month but many more people qualify. It is a program for everyone who qualifies, and the folks who qualify and participate in the program span a wide range of experiences including, but not limited to: people who are employed and unemployed, people who own homes or rent homes or are experiencing homelessness; people who are older adults, college students, who have families with children or who are living by themselves or with housemates..
Many people who have not used 3SquaresVT in the past may now be eligible to receive benefits. Learn more about applying for 3SquaresVT here.
3SquaresVT and Crop Cash: Shop with 3SquaresVT at more than 40 farmers markets in Vermont. Up to $10 of your 3SquaresVT benefits can be doubled in Crop Cash to purchase fruits, veggies and edible plants! This means $10 in 3SquaresVT buys $20 in local food (once per market day) when you visit a farmers market. Visit multiple markets each week to maximize your benefit. Visit NOFA-VT’s website to find a farmers market near you!
Food for children during the summer +
Summer EBT: Summer EBT is a NEW program that gives families with kids $120 per child to buy groceries during the summer when school meals aren’t available. This money can be used statewide at more than 600 stores, at some retailers online, and at 30+ farmers markets! And when you shop with Summer EBT at farmers market, up to $20 can be matched with Crop Cash!
Most families who qualify will AUTOMATICALLY get the money deposited in their EBT cards without needing to do anything! Other families might qualify based on their income and can apply online until September 4, 2024. The application is a simple process! Find out more information in this flyer, visit summerebt.vermont.gov/ or call the Summer EBT line at 1-888-354-0012 (Option 7).
Summer Meals: When school is out, children can still access nutritious breakfast and lunch at any of the many Summer Meals sites across Vermont. All children 0-18 eat for free–no paperwork, no registration, no I.D. needed, just show up to a summer meal site and enjoy!
Meal sites include libraries, public parks and pools, churches, camps, and schools and other community locations. Some sites even offer meals to go with the possibility to bring home several meals at once. To find a meal site near you, call 211, text food to 304-304 or check the USDA meal finder.
If your child is in childcare, they may be receiving meals through the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) or through another resource. Hunger Free Vermont can help connect child care providers to a variety of opportunities for providing nutritious meals and snacks in child care settings.
WIC +
If you’re pregnant, a caregiver, or a parent with a child under five, you may be eligible for WIC. WIC stands for Women, Infants and Children (but you don’t have to be a woman to apply if you are raising young kids). WIC gives you access to healthy foods, nutrition education and counseling, breastfeeding support, and referrals to other support services. To find out more and get help applying, visit WIC’s website or text ‘VTWIC’ to 855-11. Families who receive 3SquaresVT benefits are automatically eligible for WIC.
Food for older Vermonters (60+) +
The Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) is a federal program that offers free monthly nutrition information and nutritious foods to income-eligible older adults. Click this link to learn more and to apply.
NOFA-VT’s Senior Farm Share Program provides older adults living in participating housing sites with fruits and vegetables grown locally and delivered every week. In 2021, there were over 1000 Senior Farm Share members throughout Vermont!
Meal on Wheels is a program that delivers meals to individuals at home who are unable to purchase or prepare their own meals. There are many organizations in Vermont that provide Meals on Wheels service and support. Additionally, meal sites across the state are a wonderful space for folks to gather, socialize, and get a nourishing meal. For more information, call The Helpline at 1-800-642-5119.
3SquaresVT in a SNAP is the easiest way for older adults and people with disabilities to apply for food and fuel assistance. It is a 4-page application that, when approved, provides you with monthly food and fuel benefits for three years, before needing to recertify. For more information or to apply, call The Helpline at 1-800-642-5119.
Other Food Resources: +
The Vermont Foodbank partners with over 300 food shelves, meal sites, and community organizations throughout the state. You can Find A Food Shelf near you, including contact and location information. The Vermont Foodbank also hosts the Veggie Van Go program, which gives away free fresh vegetables and fruit at hospitals and schools across the state. Click this link to learn more about a Veggie Van Go event near you.
Shopping at Vermont’s farmers markets is a great way to support our farmers, growers and local economy, and buy fresh, nourishing foods. There are a number of programs that make shopping at markets and farm stands more affordable:
• Farm to Family Coupons: Coupon booklets that you can use to buy fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs at farmers markets and farm stands. To learn more about eligibility and how to apply, click here.
• 3SquaresVT and Crop Cash: Shop with 3SquaresVT at more than 40 farmers markets in Vermont. Up to $10 of your 3SquaresVT benefits can be doubled in Crop Cash to purchase fruits, veggies and edible plants! This means $10 in 3SquaresVT buys $20 in local food (once per market day) when you visit a farmers market. Visit multiple markets each week to maximize your benefit. Visit NOFA-VT’s website to find a farmers market near you!