Over 80,000 Vermonters Now Receiving 3SquaresVT (Formerly Food Stamps) Benefits

About 10 Million Federal Dollars a Month Flowing Into Vermont from the Program 

September 24, 2009 (Burlington, Vermont) – At the end of August, 2009, over 80,000 Vermonters were participating in 3SquaresVT (formerly Food Stamps). That is more than 1 in 8 Vermonters. Collectively, this brought in about 10 million Federal dollars to Vermont’s grocery stores and farmers’ markets in the month of August. Angela Smith-Dieng, Senior 3SquaresVT/Food Stamp Nutrition Program & Policy Specialist at the Vermont Campaign to End Childhood Hunger says, “A year ago, in August 2008 there were 57,672 Vermonters receiving 3SquaresVT benefits. Participation has increased by 40% in the past year. We believe this is due to the downturn in the economy and the fact that more Vermonters are struggling to put food on the table as well as the expansion of eligibility that began in January. More Vermonters than ever now qualify and there is no limit on the number of Vermonters who can participate.” 

For more information or an application go to www.vermontfoodhelp.com or call 2-1-1 and ask for information about 3SquaresVT.

CONTACT: Angela Smith-Dieng, Senior 3SquaresVT/Food Stamp Program & Policy Specialist at Vermont Campaign to End Childhood Hunger at 802-865-0255 or .

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The Vermont Campaign to End Childhood Hunger is a statewide nonprofit organization that works with state agencies and community groups to develop sustainable hunger solutions. Since 1993 the Campaign’s outreach programs have substantially enhanced Vermont’s nutrition safety net and increased access to nutritious foods.

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