3SquaresVT
What is 3SquaresVT?
3SquaresVT, also known as SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) or EBT (and formerly known as Food Stamps), is a federal nutrition program established by the USDA. 3SquaresVT helps qualified Vermonters supplement their monthly food budget and can be used at grocery stores and farmer’s markets.
Learn more about the 3SquaresVT program through the Vermont Language Justice Project, which has videos available in 18 languages including ASL, to help explain 3SquaresVT benefits.
3SquaresVT Benefits
If you meet income guidelines, the 3SquaresVT program will provide you with money every month to purchase food. Every Vermonter that is eligible will receive assistance. Taking advantage of the benefits provided by 3SquaresVT will not take away benefits from others in need. You may qualify for benefits even if you have money in your bank account or own your own home. The average monthly benefit for an older Vermonter living alone is $180.00. If your application is approved. . .
3SquaresVT Eligibility
Your net household income must be equal to or less than 185% of the Federal Poverty Level (based on household size) to qualify for 3SquaresVT benefits. For more information about eligibility, check out the 3SquaresVT Income Guidelines Chart at the Vermont.gov website.
3SquaresVT Application & myBenefits Portal
To apply for 3SquaresVT benefits online, visit the myBenefits portal and create an account. If you are over the age of 60 or living with a disability without earned income, the State of Vermont has created a simplified application process that makes it easier to apply.
The State of Vermont myBenefits portal also offers you the opportunity to apply for Fuel Assistance Program.
Age Well’s trained staff can answer your questions and assist with your application. Please call the Helpline at 1-800-642-5119.
Hear More About 3SquaresVT
At Age Well, we believe that everyone deserves access to nutritious food. That’s why we’re proud to support the 3SquaresVT program, which helps eligible older Vermonters secure the resources they need to put healthy meals on the table and take charge of their own well-being through food assistance.
Hi, I’m Laura Need. I am the Nutrition and Wellness Coordinator for Franklin and Grand Isle counties. I have happily worked with Age Well for almost five years and hopefully 50 more. In my role, I serve as the Three Squares Outreach person for Franklin and Grand Isle counties, as well as running some of our programs around nutrition, such as our grab-and-go meals, community meals, and larger events for folks.
Today, I want to share an experience I had with one of our clients who receives Three Squares. Recently, this client contacted me to express their happiness with receiving Three Squares. They also participate in our grab-and-go programs, community meals, and restaurant ticket programs. This person attends some of our events and shared that these programs have significantly impacted their life. They no longer have to worry about food insecurity.
Often, we consider what life would be like without financial insecurity, but it’s equally important to think about the impact of food insecurity. When you’re hungry, you don’t function well; you don’t feel right, and you can lapse into depression. This person has been greatly helped by Age Well, the Three Squares program, and our other nutrition programs. They even mentioned feeling so good that they want to start giving back to the community by volunteering.
This story illustrates that by eliminating food insecurity, we can help someone feel better, function well, and even inspire them to give back to the community we serve. It makes me proud to help someone not only overcome hunger but also feel good enough about themselves to want to contribute to others. That’s my story about how Three Squares, SNAP, and the nutrition programs offered by Age Well have truly helped a member of our community here in the four counties that Age Well serves in Northwestern Vermont.
Related Resources
Meals on Wheels Client Welcome Packet
Meals on Wheel Eligibility Guidelines
Safety Checks
FAQs About the Senior Companion Program
FAQ’s
Do you have a question about 3SquaresVT that wasn’t answered here? Contact the Helpline with any additional questions!
In order to qualify for 3SquaresVT benefits, your net household income must be equal to or less than 185% of the Federal Poverty Level (based on household size). For help determining your household income level, call the Age Well Helpline: 1800-641-5119.
You can apply for 3SquaresVT online by visiting the State of Vermont myBenefits portal page and making an account. If you are over the age of 60 or living with a disability without earned income, you can apply using a simplified application process, that involves printing, filling out, and returning the application form to a district office.
You can use your 3SquaresVT benefits at retail grocery stores and farmers markets. If you are interested in using your 3SquaresVT benefits at farmers markets, consider learning about Crop Cash.
In addition to applying for 3SquaresVT benefits, you can also use your myBenefits portal to apply for other state-sponsored programs, like Fuel Assistance. If you are eligible for 3SquaresVT benefits, you may also be eligible to receive Fuel Assistance from the State of Vermont to help heat your home. You can apply for both 3SquaresVT and Fuel Assistance using the same application.
Applicants and recipients of 3SquaresVT benefits are encouraged to file a complaint directly with the U.S. Department of Agriculture if they believe that they have been subject to illegal discrimination. To file a complaint, please visit this link here.
Contact Us
Do you have questions about becoming a Meals on Wheels volunteer? Call the Helpline at 1-800-642-5119 and speak to one of our friendly, professional team members.