3SquaresVT Updates and Accessing Food During the Government Shutdown

Please note, we are updating this blog as information becomes available. For immediate help accessing food, contact Feeding Champlain Valley or Vermont211.
Updated 10/30/25

We live in uncertainty as the federal government shutdown continues. The real worry is for the 63,000 low-income Vermonters who rely on 3SquaresVT for food. Recent changes to eligibility and ongoing questions about funding have made it harder to know what’s true. In moments like this, clear information and community support make all the difference.

Find the latest up-to-date information about 3SquaresVT here: vermontfoodhelp.com/3squaresvt-updates
http://hungerfreevt.org/2025-government-shutdown

To learn about 3SquaresVT support at CVOEO, visit our webpage.

What We Know So Far

This summer, the federal government passed a bill that made several changes to SNAP/3SquaresVT. Some Vermonters may see a change in their benefit amount or eligibility as of October 1, 2025.

Then, on that same day, the federal government shut down after Congress did not pass an annual funding bill in time.

3SquaresVT benefits for October have been issued and can be used as usual. The state’s Economic Services Division (ESD), which manages 3SquaresVT, is still operating- you can continue to apply or renew benefits normally. It is important to keep applying for benefits, because eligible people will receive them as backdated when the government reopens.

State leaders have taken action to address the 3SquaresVT funding gap during the government shutdown. A board unanimously voted to provide $6.2 million in state-funded SNAP benefits to cover recipients through November 15th (a half-month's worth of benefits). These benefits will be loaded onto EBT cards, which will work as normal. However, recipients will not get these benefits on their EBT cards until November 7th due to the necessary back-end coding to process a state-funded benefit. While this action provides temporary relief, the funding only covers up to November 15th. Vermonters depending on 3SquaresVT food assistance should, therefore, prepare for a possible 3SquareVT gap after that date as state leaders continue to work on a long-term solution.

Changes to SNAP benefits for not English Speakers: Vermont Language Justice Project

Recent Eligibility and Benefit Changes

The changes that took effect on October 1 may impact who qualifies and how benefits are calculated.

• Immigrant eligibility: Eligibility is now limited to people who are lawful permanent residents. Cuban or Haitian entrants, Amerasians, Hmong or Highland Laotian Tribal Members, or COFA citizens are included. Refugees, people granted asylum, other previously eligible non-citizens no longer qualify, but children or other household members may still be eligible.
• Work rules: Adults ages 18–64 may now need to meet work or exemption requirements to keep benefits for more than three months. This includes veterans, people experiencing homelessness, and young adults who were in foster care. No one will lose benefits because of this rule before February 2026.
• Utility deductions: Households with an older or disabled member can automatically receive a utility deduction. Others can still qualify if they pay heating or cooling costs, which may increase benefit amounts. For people who have eligible heat/cooling expenses, the reporting on this information will be new.

Be Prepared

If you receive 3SquaresVT:

• Keep using your benefits normally through October.
• Set aside a small supply of shelf-stable foods if possible.
• Write down where your nearest food shelves and community meals are located. Contact Feeding Champlain Valley or Vermont 211 for assistance locating food shelves, hot meals, and other food resources.
• If your situation changes, or if you have questions about your 3SquaresVT benefits or application, contact your local Community Action office.
  • Addison County: Mark Demers – 802-388-2285 x204
  • Chittenden County: Marcella Gange – 802-863-6248 x756
  • Franklin & Grand Isle Counties: Rebecca Moyer – 802-527-7392 x107

You can also find statewide updates and application help through Vermont’s Economic Services Division or by visiting vermontfoodhelp.com.

How You Can Help If You’re Not Receiving 3SquaresVT

Even if you don’t receive 3SquaresVT benefits, you can make a difference in ensuring your community stays fed and informed:

Only share accurate information.
Before spreading news about benefit changes, check reliable sources such as vermontfoodhelp.com, hungerfreevt.org, or cvoeo.org.

Uplift free food opportunities.
Help promote pantries that offer food choice and hot meals in your area, especially smaller or less visible community venues.

Check in with others.
Reach out to family, friends, and neighbors who rely on food subsidies. Make sure they understand any benefit changes and know where to find local food shelves or meal programs.

Join your community.
Support, donate to programs like Feeding Champlain Valley, and volunteer with organizations offering food access, especially those hosting culturally inclusive, prepared, and choice-based meals. Every effort helps strengthen food security in your neighborhood.

We’ll get through this together by staying informed and connected.

As the situation unfolds, CVOEO and our partners will continue to make sure Vermonters have the information and resources they need. If your benefits change—or if you want to help—reach out, share these resources, and stay connected. No one should go hungry.