Join us in advocating for a stronger, expanded 3SquaresVT program.
By strengthening 3SquaresVT the program can serve more people living in Vermont, and prioritize some of our most vulnerable neighbors and community members. We are advocating for the Vermont Legislature to pass S.215, which would make it easier for folks who might have the hardest time preparing or storing food to have access to ready-made or hot meals, and lay the foundation for increasing the minimum benefit for all households.
We’re advocating for Vermont to build a stronger, more equitable 3SquaresVT program, through these 3 actions:
Action 1: The College Student Option:
In addition to income and other eligibility criteria, college and graduate students enrolled at least half-time in an institute of higher education must meet or prove they are exempt from a harsh and burdensome student work requirement. This “work for food” rule requires, for example, students to report employment for an average of 20 hours/week. While states have the authority to exempt community college students from this rule, we currently do not have this practice in Vermont. Adopting this practice will support students who are the future of Vermont’s workforce–and more importantly, deserve to not go hungry.
Hunger Free Vermont is working with the Administration and other interested stakeholders to implement this option.
Action 2: The Restaurant Meals Program:
The Restaurant Meals Program allows certain SNAP recipients to use their benefits at approved restaurants.
To qualify, the SNAP recipients must be:
• Elderly (60 years of age or older);
• Disabled (receives disability or blindness payments or receives disability retirement benefits from a governmental agency because of a disability considered permanent);
• Homeless;
• or be the spouse of a SNAP recipient who meets one of the above criteria
States have to adopt the Restaurant Meals Program option in order for these folks to use their benefits at approved restaurants–something Vermont has yet to do. For restaurants to qualify, they must get approval from the State of Vermont as well as the federal administrators, FNS. Each State can set their own rules for how many and which restaurants can participate.
Action 3: Give 3SquaresVT a Boost
The existing formula for calculating the benefit amount SNAP recipients receive is inadequate, outdated, and only guaranteed for household sizes of one and two. The current guaranteed minimum benefit for those households is a mere $23 monthly, while households greater than two may receive a benefit as low as $1 each month. To address this, we are proposing Vermont supplement 3SquaresVT to increase the minimum benefit for all households, so that everyone who is eligible can have a meaningful basic benefit of around $100/month to purchase the food they need.
Vermont can choose to supplement 3SquaresVT to increase the minimum benefit for all households, so that everyone who is eligible would have a meaningful basic benefit.
By opting into the federal Restaurant Meals Program and supplementing 3SquaresVT, we can provide hot meals and increase minimum benefits, ensuring everyone has access to essential nutrition. With over 5,000 receiving less than $100/month and 2,000 just $23/month, there's a critical need for action. Strengthening 3SquaresVT not only supports food security but also serves as an economic stimulus. Let's unite to eradicate hidden hunger and build a resilient, nourished Vermont community together
