Vermont Business Magazine Purchase fruit and vegetable seeds and seedlings with your 3SquaresVT benefits to put fresh food on your table all season long.
Signs of spring are slowly but surely appearing across the state, which means it’s time to think about which fruits, vegetables, and herbs to grow this season. Vermonters can buy their seeds and seedlings that produce edible foods with 3SquaresVT. 3SquaresVT is Vermont’s name for the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which provides eligible people with money every month to buy groceries.
Nearly 70,000 people in Vermont are signed up for 3SquaresVT and can shop at over 600 retailers and more than 40 farmers markets across the state. In addition to typical grocery food items, 3SquaresVT can be used to buy seeds and seedlings. Grocers across the state carry seeds and seedlings all season long, including City Market, Onion River Co-op in Burlington, the Middlebury Food Co-op, and the Brattleboro Food Coop.
“We’re proud to offer people enrolled in 3SquaresVT a 15 percent discount in our Produce and Bulk departments as well as a 10 percent discount on most products storewide through our Food for All program. Signing up is easy and there is no cost to join as a Food for All Member,” said Mae Quilty, Assistant Director of Community Engagement. “Stop by and stock up on seeds and seedlings at both stores!”
At most farmers markets, shoppers with 3SquaresVT can double their dollar to buy produce, seeds, and seedlings. This dollar-match program, called Crop Cash, is operated by NOFA-VT. For every $1 spent in 3SquaresVT benefits, shoppers will receive an additional $1 in Crop Cash, up to $10 in extra money for fruits, veggies, seeds and seedlings. For the rest of the winter market season, there is a $2 match, up to $20.
“With the rising costs of food and fuel, 3SquaresVT is always here to support our food budgets through challenging times” said Ivy Enoch, Food Security Advocacy Manager at Hunger Free Vermont. “People shopping with 3SquaresVT keep millions of dollars every month in our local economy, and support our local food retailers, farmers, and growers, who create jobs and provide nourishing food to our communities. It’s a win-win.”
1 in 10 Vermonters receive 3SquaresVT benefits, but many more are eligible. There are enough benefits for everyone who qualifies, so no one is taking away benefits from anyone else by signing up! Everyone who is eligible to receive 3SquaresVT will get this important financial support with an approved application, and organizations across the state can help people apply. Visit Vermont Food Help to learn more about 3SquaresVT, how to apply, and where to shop: vermontfoodhelp.com.
About Hunger Free Vermont and City Market Onion River Co-op:
Hunger Free Vermont is a statewide nonprofit organization that works with state agencies and community groups to develop sustainable hunger solutions. Since 1993 Hunger Free Vermont’s outreach programs and advocacy have substantially enhanced Vermont’s nutrition safety net and increased access to nutritious foods. www.hungerfreevt.org
City Market, Onion River Co-op, is Burlington’s community-owned grocery store. Now with two stores, in Downtown and the South End of Burlington, City Market provides a large selection of local, organic, and conventional foods and thousands of Vermont-made products. Visit City Market, Onion River Co-op online at www.CityMarket.coop.