Hunger Action Center

We all play a role in ending hunger.

Hunger Free Vermont advocates for policies at the local, state, and federal level that ensure everyone living in Vermont can meet their needs and has access to enough food and the right foods for them and their families. Ending hunger requires changing laws and policies that currently make it hard for people to make ends meet or access the food they need.

Our voice alone is not enough. We need you to join us in raising your voices to help eradicate hunger in our state.

Federal Advocacy

Federal policies have a direct impact on Vermonters, and the programs we rely on to meet our basic needs. From SNAP, School Meals, Summer EBT, and other food security programs, decisions made in Washington D.C. shape access to food every day. Stay informed and know when to take action to support, celebrate, and protect federal food security programs!

You can read the open letter tothe Governor here.

Update: Governor Scott Takes Action to Protect 3SquaresVT Benefits

Thank you to everyone who called Governor Scott and raised your voice.

This week, Governor Scott publicly called on the USDA to release contingency funds so that Vermonters can continue receiving their 3SquaresVT (SNAP) benefits without interruption. He also directed his administration to work with Attorney General Charity Clark to support a multi-state lawsuit to ensure those funds are released. You can read his statement here. On October 28, Attorney General Charity Clark joined a coalition of 22 other attorneys general and three governors in filing a lawsuit against the USDA.

This is an important step toward protecting food access for more than 63,000 Vermonters — and it happened because of all of you!

For the latest information on the status of the Government shutdown and it’s impacts click here.

Share your story

Communities across the country and Vermont are feeling the impacts of changes and cuts to federal programs that support food access. Whether you’ve experienced a direct impact or are just dealing with uncertainty, confusion, or stress, your story matters.

Your voice helps us show decision-makers the real impact these changes are having on people and communities. Even if you’re unsure what will happen next, that uncertainty is worth documenting.

This isn’t just for organizations or service providers — it’s for anyone affected by these changes: parents, families, older adults, workers, students, advocates, and more.

Take a few minutes to share how you, your family, or your community is being affected.

Name

First Name

Last Name

Organization (if applicable)

Email

Phone

(###)

###

####

When you think about recent changes to food benefits or support programs, what’s changed in your day-to-day life or in your community?

(Uncertainty, worry, or confusion are all important to include — please don’t hesitate to share.)

Have you noticed any changes in your ability to access the food or services you need because of the changes to programs or uncertainty at the federal level?

How have programs like SNAP (3SquaresVT/EBT), universal free school and summer meals, and WIC made a difference for you, your family, or your community—and what do you want decision-makers to know about their importance?

Is there anything else you would like to share?

Do we have permission to share your stories with our Congressional Delegation, state leaders, and other partners?

Yes, and you may include my name.

Yes, but please keep my name confidential.

No, please do not share.

Do we have permission to share your story publicly?

Yes, and you may include my name.

Yes, but please keep my name confidential.

No, please do not share publicly.

May we contact you for follow-up questions or media opportunities?

Yes

No

Advocacy in the Vermont Statehouse

State policies shape food security in Vermont, from making federal programs like school meals work to make sure all students are well-fed to ensuring food security is part of our disaster approach. The decisions made in Montpelier directly impact our communities, and together, we can ensure policies reflect the needs of everyone in Vermont.

SNAP Restaurant Meals Program in Vermont

During the 2025 legislative session, Hunger Free Vermont advocated for the State of Vermont to launch the SNAP Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) in Vermont. The RMP would allow certain 3SquaresVT (known in Vermont as SNAP) recipients to use their benefits at participating local restaurants.

Unfortunately, the legislature decided not to advance the SNAP Restaurant Meals Program bill this legislative session. Hunger Free Vermont remains committed to expanding access to 3SquaresVT and will revisit strategies—including programs like this one—during the 2026 legislative session.

Together, we protected Universal School Meals!

Following Governor Scott’s proposed repeal of Universal School Meals, we collectively sent a resounding message that Vermonters would accept NO cuts to this vital program. The Legislature heard our message loud and clear and voted to continue funding Universal School Meals - a win for Vermont families, schools, and farmers!

We successfully advocated for funding to help improve the Child and Adult Care Food Program in Vermont!

Hunger Free Vermont, together with many partners, helped secure $150,000 in funding from the state legislature for the organizations that support the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). This funding will help Family Child Care Homes across Vermont get reimbursed for meals and snacks they provide to children, making sure kids have access to healthy food while in care.

To stay up to date with our advocacy initiatives, sign-up for our Advocacy and Action email list below.

If you are interested in volunteering to help our advocacy efforts in the upcoming legislative session, please send an email to our Legislative Policy Lead, Autumn Moen, at amoen@hungerfreevt.org.