Recipients can use monthly benefits to grow fresh fruits and vegetables this summer
VermontBiz We're now officially in farmer's market season—the perfect time for Vermonters to start planning and planting their vegetable gardens. This spring, Vermonters can use their 3SquaresVT benefits to purchase seeds and seedlings to grow fresh fruits and vegetables, ensuring a bountiful harvest throughout the summer. 3SquaresVT is Vermont’s name for the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which provides eligible people money on an EBT card, which works just like a debit card, to help pay for groceries.
3SquaresVT can be used at more than 600 retailers and over 40 farmers’ markets across the state, many of which sell seeds and seedlings. Vermonters can use their EBT cards, which are mailed to 3SquaresVT participants once they are enrolled in the program, to purchase seeds and plants at participating retailers and farmers’ markets.
At most farmers' markets, shoppers with 3SquaresVT can use a program called Crop Cash to double their dollars and buy produce, seeds, and plants – and even get some gardening tips from expert farmers and growers. With Crop Cash, 3SquaresVT participants can stretch their dollars to get high-quality seedlings while supporting and connecting with our hard-working local farmers.
"Growing your own food is one way to build resilience and positively impact mental health,” said Vermont Garden Network Nutrition Program Manager, Cedar Schiewetz. “We’re lucky that in Vermont we have programs like Crop Cash that allow for purchasing plants and seeds in addition to food items. Growing a whole garden might feel out of reach for folks who are struggling, but even growing some herbs in your window can add a lot of valuable nutrients to your diet and build valuable skills.”
In addition to programs like 3SquaresVT and Crop Cash, many libraries in Vermont offer free seed libraries that residents can access instead of spending money or benefits on seeds. Seed libraries are available at 19 libraries across Vermont with many more opening up each season. This is another great way to garden on a budget - allowing Vermonters to “check out” the seeds at no cost.
“Shopping with 3SquaresVT is a win-win!” said Mariana Lamaison Sears, Outreach Manager at Hunger Free Vermont. “More than 70,000 Vermonters support their food budgets monthly with 3SquaresVT benefits. Vermonters can shop for seeds and plants to start their gardens and purchase local produce at farmers markets, grocery stores, and co-ops with 3SquaresVT benefits. All of this has a ripple effect, positively impacting the environment and the local economy while supporting our farmers and creating jobs.”
One in ten Vermonters receive 3SquaresVT benefits, but many more are eligible. Everyone eligible will receive 3SquaresVT benefits upon approval of an application and there are enough benefits to support everyone who qualifies. With many amazing local food access programs around the state, there are multiple ways to grow or purchase local food on a budget this season. Visit Vermont Food Help to learn more about 3SquaresVT and how to apply: vermontfoodhelp.com.
NOFA-VT administers the Crop Cash Program. Crop Cash is made available to all farmer's markets in Vermont that accept 3SquaresVT benefits via EBT machines at their market. To learn more about how to use Crop Cash visit nofavt.org.
To support great journalism, access our archives and get unique features like our award-winning profiles, subscribe HERE!
