Help for Hungry Vermonters

Three Squares VT is a federally funded organization that gives money to people who struggle financially in Vermont.

It is part of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program(SNAP). SNAP is the federal fund portion of 3 squares that distributes the money evenly among the states in the U.S.. SNAP provided a bonus when Covid got really bad and they also gave an extra bonus for the people who lost their jobs.

To be eligible for 3 Squares, you have to have your gross household income equal to or less than 185% of the Federal Poverty Level, (which for a family of four is $4086 monthly) regardless of the things you own or you have to have children and get the VT Earned Income Tax Credit. If your household includes someone older than 60 or with a disability, you may still qualify if your income is over the limit, but they will consider the resources you own (e.g., bank accounts and vehicles) with some exceptions (e.g., your home and certain retirement accounts).

SNAP also helps children with free meals at school. They'll qualify for a free lunch as long as you get a monthly 3SquaresVT benefit and your child's school participates in a federal meals program. 3 squares will notify the school that your child qualifies, unless you ask them not to. You won't have to fill out the school's meal application form.

SNAP gives out a weekly budget of $51, which isn’t really enough, but still helps people.

In addition to having a food program, they also help with job placement through ICAN. You can apply for free employment assistance and job training through ICAN.

To get a hold of 3 squares or apply for assistance, you can call 1-800-479-6151 or visit a district office to get a paper application.