Participation in 3SquaresVT (Formerly Food Stamps) Up 55% in Two Years

Federal benefits flowing into the state have doubled from $5 to $10 million each month

December 14, 2009 (Burlington, Vermont) – At the end of October, 82,770 Vermonters were participating in 3SquaresVT (formerly Food Stamps). That is more than 1 in 8 Vermonters and a 55% increase from October 2007, just two years ago.  The program, administered through the Department for Children and Families, now brings double the money into Vermont than it did in 2007 - more than 10 million federal dollars are spent in Vermont’s grocery stores and farmers’ markets each month through 3SquaresVT. Usage has been increasing dramatically across the country as outlined in a recent New York Times article, “The Safety Net: Food Stamp Use Soars and Stigma Fades.” Yet more than 1 in 4 eligible Vermonters (27%) do not participate according to a recent USDA report, meaning that thousands more Vermonters could be getting the help they may need.

Angela Smith-Dieng, Senior 3SquaresVT/Food Stamp Nutrition Program & Policy Specialist at the Vermont Campaign to End Childhood Hunger says, “Many people do not realize that they may be eligible, especially working families and seniors.  Others are reluctant to ask for government help.  They may not understand that 3SquaresVT is designed to be a temporary nutrition supplement to get through tough times.  Half of all Americans will participate at some point in their lives, usually for less than a year.” 

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 .

About the Vermont Campaign to End Childhood Hunger: 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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