Get food help
We all deserve nutritious and delicious food that fits our personal and cultural needs.
You can find information about some of the many programs in Vermont that might be helpful for you on this page.
3SquaresVT +
3SquaresVT (also known nationally as SNAP) is a program that provides people with money every month to buy food. When you use 3SquaresVT, you can shop where and when you want.
Each month, money is automatically deposited onto an EBT card, which looks and works just like a debit card. Your EBT card can be used to buy groceries at over 600 food retailers in Vermont, more than 40 farmers markets, and anywhere in the U.S. that accepts EBT. A family of five could receive up to $1,155 a month to buy groceries.
More than 65,000 Vermonters get 3SquaresVT benefits every month but many more people qualify. It is a program for everyone who qualifies, including people who are employed and unemployed, people who own or rent homes or are experiencing homelessness; older adults, college students, who have families with children or folks living by themselves or with housemates.
You may be hearing a lot about benefits changing as a result of the budget bill recently signed into law. Your current benefits and eligibility have NOT changed yet. If you receive 3SquaresVT, you can still access your benefits as usual. Learn more about qualifying and applying for 3SquaresVT here. Stay up to date with the latest on any changes to 3SquaresVT benefits here.
3SquaresVT and Crop Cash: Shop with 3SquaresVT at more than 40 farmers markets in Vermont. Up to $10 of your 3SquaresVT benefits can be doubled in Crop Cash to purchase fruits, veggies and edible plants! This means $10 in 3SquaresVT buys $20 in local food (once per market day) when you visit a farmers market. Visit multiple markets each week to maximize your benefit. Visit NOFA-VT’s website to find a farmers market near you!
Food for children +
Summer Meals: When school is out, nutritious meals are still available! The Summer Meals Program provides free meals for all children and teens ages 0–18 across Vermont—no paperwork, registration, or ID required. Just show up at a participating site and enjoy a free meal. It’s that simple! There are different types of Summer Meals sites: Some serve meals onsite. Others offer grab-and-go options to take home. A few even provide meal kits for multiple days or the whole week. No cost. No sign-up. No barriers. Just free, healthy food for kids.
Find a meal site near you: Call 2-1-1 or visit our website for an updated list of locations, refreshed weekly throughout the summer.
WIC: If you’re pregnant, a caregiver, or a parent with a child under five, you may be eligible for WIC. WIC stands for Women, Infants and Children (but you don’t have to be a woman to apply if you are raising young kids). WIC gives you access to healthy foods, nutrition education and counseling, breastfeeding support, and referrals to other support services. To find out more and get help applying, visit WIC’s website or text ‘VTWIC’ to 855-11. Families who receive 3SquaresVT benefits are automatically eligible for WIC.
Food for older Vermonters (60+) +
The Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) is a federal program that offers free monthly nutrition information and nutritious foods to income-eligible older adults. Click this link to learn more and to apply.
Meals on Wheels is a program that delivers meals to individuals at home who are unable to purchase or prepare their own meals. There are many organizations in Vermont that provide Meals on Wheels service and support. Additionally, meal sites across the state are a wonderful space for folks to gather, socialize, and get a nourishing meal. For more information, call The Helpline at 1-800-642-5119.
3SquaresVT in a SNAP is the easiest way for older adults and people with disabilities to apply for food and fuel assistance. With one application, you can receive monthly food and fuel benefits for three years, before needing to recertify. For more information or to apply, call The Helpline at 1-800-642-5119.
Other Food Resources: +
There are meals served and food distributed for free at churches and community centers all across Vermont! Call 2-1-1 to find foods and meals in your area.
The Vermont Foodbank partners with over 300 food shelves, meal sites, and community organizations throughout the state. You can Find A Food Shelf near you, including contact and location information. The Vermont Foodbank also hosts the Veggie Van Go program, which gives away free fresh vegetables and fruit at hospitals and schools across the state. Click this link to learn more about a Veggie Van Go event near you.
Shopping at Vermont’s farmers markets is a great way to support our farmers, growers and local economy, and buy fresh, nourishing foods. There are a number of programs that make shopping at markets and farm stands more affordable.
Farm To Family Coupons: This program helps with buying fresh fruits, vegetables & herbs at farmers markets and farm stands. Participants will receive coupons for up to $48 to use at the market. People enrolled in WIC qualify automatically and other individuals can qualify depending on income. To learn more and find out if you qualify visit the website of the Department For Children and Families following this link. Any of the regional Community Action Agencies or local Health Offices statewide can also provide information and help with application.