Attention Advocates, Service Providers, and Concerned Communities

On November 1, 2013, almost 100,000 Vermonters receiving 3SquaresVT (food stamp) benefits will see a decrease in their monthly benefit amount.  The amount of the decrease is based on household size.  For example, benefits for a household of four will decrease by $36 a month.  This decrease is due to the end of the temporary benefits boost passed as part of the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).  

Families will be notified by the state in mid-October, and it is anticipated that this decrease will cause real hardship for many who are already struggling to stretch their food dollars through the month.  It is important for communities to understand what is happening and how to help families cope with the loss in benefits.  Here are three things you can do to help:

• Encourage 3SquaresVT households you know to maximize their deductions to receive the most 3SquaresVT benefits they can.  For information and assistance, they can go to www.vermontfoodhelp.com or call 2-1-1 to connect to their local Community Action Agency or Agency on Aging.

• Tell Senator Leahy, Senator Sanders, and Congressman Welch that Vermonters need these benefits and how much this benefit loss will impact our communities.  Call the Capital Switchboard at 202-224-3121 and ask for their offices.

• Donate to your local food shelf, as many 3SquaresVT households will turn there when they run out of food through the month.  Visit www.vt211.org or call 2-1-1 to find the food shelf nearest you.

If you are a service provider, please read these Frequently Asked Questions for more information as you prepare to speak with 3SquaresVT participants.  Feel free to print and share this handout with participants if helpful.  You may also like to watch the webinar on YouTube here. 
Please spread the word in your networks! 
Questions?  Contact Angela or Faye at Hunger Free Vermont.