With hunger on the rise & cuts taking effect October 1, the group also called on Vermonters to contribute to local food organizations and for the State to support 3SquaresVT
Vermont Business Magazine Vermonters receiving food assistance benefits through 3SquaresVT, the Vermont name for the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) should continue using the program, Treasurer Pieciak and local food security leaders announced today at Capstone Community Action.
As federal changes to the program take effect October 1, 3SquaresVT remains Vermont’s best tool to fight hunger and ensure families can put food on the table. Despite the federal government shutdown, all eligible Vermonters will receive their October 3SquaresVt benefits without delay.
With cuts placing added pressure and demand on food banks and local service providers, officials asked Vermonters to help feed their neighbors by making a donation to the Vermont Foodbank and trusted local service providers like Capstone.
"3SquaresVT keeps tens of thousands of Vermonters healthy and productive, while pumping over $150 million into our local grocers, farmers, and small businesses every year,” said Treasurer Pieciak. “Nobody should go hungry in the richest country in the world, but President Trump has made this choice to fund tax cuts for billionaires. Our priority now is to make sure Vermonters can access the assistance that they, and our state, depend on.”
Over 65,000 Vermonters receive assistance from 3Squares VT—with 85 percent being older Vermonters, people with disabilities, and households with children. Last year, the program contributed $155 million to the Vermont economy, supporting over 650 grocery stores, co-ops, farmers, and country stores statewide.
October 1 marks the start of the federal fiscal year, when federal updates and benefit changes to 3SquaresVT take effect. President Trump's tax and domestic policy bill is projected to significantly impact federal spending to support SNAP over the next decade and will immediately impact who qualifies for 3SquaresVT and how they can maintain benefits.
Work requirements will be imposed for beneficiaries including veterans, individuals experiencing homelessness, older Vermonters, and parents with children. Officials emphasized, however, that 3SquaresVT will remain available for Vermonters regardless of work requirements until February 2026, through the State’s discretionary exemptions.
The added bureaucracy and negative publicity surrounding 3SquaresVT reductions, combined with federal cuts to state funding for outreach and education, are expected to reduce program participation over time through attrition. Speakers stressed the importance of pushing back on this narrative to reaffirm the critical role 3SquaresVT plays in supporting the health and financial security of Vermonters experiencing food insecurity and the state as a whole.
Anore Horton, Executive Director of Hunger Free Vermont, emphasized that it will be critical for the State to step in to ensure Vermonters have the information they need to avoid losing benefits. "3SquaresVT is the biggest program we have to help those of us living with low incomes afford food at home—that hasn't changed," said Hunger Free Vermont Executive Director Anore Horton. "Investing in keeping Vermont's SNAP program strong is a policy choice our State government must make to ensure the best outcomes for everyone in Vermont."
Vermont Foodbank CEO John Sayles highlighted the impact of federal changes on local food banks, who are already facing federal funding cuts and a greater demand everyday for food. “While reduced access and benefits will increase hardship for our neighbors and demands on the charitable food network, 3SquaresVT continues to be our most effective food security program in Vermont. For every one meal provided by the charitable food system, 3SquaresVT provides nine,” said John Sayles, CEO of Vermont Foodbank. “Families are lifted up by 3SquaresVT, as is Vermont’s economy, and we will continue working together with our state and nonprofit partners to ensure 3SquaresVT remains available for everyone in Vermont who is eligible.”
For Vermont’s local service providers, 3SquaresVT is a crucial safety net and a hand up to the Vermonters they serve. “3SquaresVT is a lifeline for Vermonters choosing between paying their rent, keeping their children safe and cared for, and putting food on the table,” said Alison Calderara, Executive Director of Capstone Community Action. “Benefits are still available for Vermonters, families can apply, and Capstone is here to provide help to anyone who needs it.”
Rowan Sherwood from Hunger Mountain Co-op warned the changes will hurt Vermont’s local grocery stores and farmers who rely on customers using 3SquaresVT to sustain their business. “Cuts to 3SquaresVT will not only be hard on Vermont’s food retailers, but it will impact all of the small farmers and producers who rely on these stores to make ends meet,” said Sherwood. “Vermonters value their local grocery stores because they provide fresh, local food that connects and sustains our communities. These changes threaten our ability to deliver on that promise.”
Under new federal rules, asylees and refugees residing legally in the United States have lost eligibility for benefits as of October 1, impacting nearly 1,500 non-citizen Vermonters who were able to receive 3SquaresVT assistance previously. “We thank Treasurer Pieciak and community partners for their leadership in this moment,” said Molly Gray, Executive Director of the Vermont Afghan Alliance. “Our newest Vermonters are working tirelessly to grow our workforce and contribute to the Vermont economy—making sure they can feed their children is the very least we can do.”
For more information on federal changes to SNAP and resources for accessing 3SquaresVT and other benefits, Vermonters can visit vtfoodhelp.com.
Vermonters who think they might qualify for 3SquaresVT are encouraged to check eligibility requirements and apply for benefits if they are available to them here.
10.1.2025. Montpelier, VT – Treasurer
To support vital journalism, access our archives and get unique features like our award-winning profiles, Book of Lists & Business-to-Business Directory, subscribe HERE!
