+ GENERAL INFO, UPDATES, AND HOW TO HELP:

1. If you have questions about COVID-19: Dial 2-1-1 or visit their online resource directory.
2. The VT Department of Health is regularly updating this webpage with the latest information on the coronavirus in VT and the latest recommendations on protecting yourself and your community.
3. Looking for opportunities to support your community? Communities and service providers across the state are preparing and coordinating to make sure their neighbors have access to food. Connect with others or your local Hunger Council to join their efforts.
4. The Peace & Justice Center has also compiled a list of resources and mutual aid forms for folks who are able to help others and for those in need of help, specific to different regions across Vermont.
5. The State of Vermont has also developed a volunteer portal. Help is needed in a variety of areas and professions. Register here.

+ Federal and State Policy Response to COVID-19:

Important Recent Federal Policy Changes

Meals for Kids: The USDA has authorized waivers that allow all schools to provide free meals to all children ages 18 and under for the entire 2020-2021 school year. Every public school in Vermont is taking advantage of this option, and kids can access free meals through their local school no matter where they are learning. Even kids who aren’t yet in school can get a meal!

3SquaresVT: The federal COVID relief bills have helped to expand access to programs that help people meet their basic needs like 3SquaresVT (known nationally as SNAP). At the same time, Vermont's Department for Children and Families has requested and implemented waivers from the USDA that create more flexibility during this time.

Important Changes to 3SquaresVT include:

• Suspension of all time limits related to work & work training requirements.
• All 3SquaresVT households are receiving the maximum benefit amount for their household size. Many households received an increased benefit due to this change.
• USDA is able to provide much more flexibility for states in managing 3SquaresVT caseloads to ease administrative burden on participants and the state.
• Increased federal funding to support the anticipated increased participation in this program as unemployment increases.
• Other Federal Nutrition Programs: The USDA has approved adjustments to programs like WIC and Meals on Wheels to ensure people are able to access the program and meet program requirements during the pandemic.

Federal Policy Changes Still Needed

While the measures passed to enhance access to nutrition programs are helpful, more is needed to make sure that everyone who is struggling to afford and access food right now is able to get the help that they need. As Congress continues to consider additional Coronavirus Relief bills, Hunger Free Vermont and partners are advocating for further program flexibilities, expansions, and increased funding to meet the unprecedented need for stable, dignified, and accessible nutrition programs.

To stay up to date with what Congress is currently considering and actions that you can take, visit FRAC, our national partner’s, website.

Important State Policy Measures to Address Hunger

The State has also stepped up to support people struggling to afford food throughout the pandemic by supporting programs distributing food, taking advantage of federal options to ease access to programs like WIC and 3SquaresVT, and ensuring that families have access to free school meals in all corners of the state.

Additionally, Hunger Free Vermont, along with NOFA-VT, Shelburne Farms, VT FEED, and the Vermont Foodbank asked legislators to prioritize food security for people living in Vermont when making decisions about how to spend the $1.25 billion in federal Coronavirus Relief Funding available to Vermont. Thanks to the actions of the legislature and the Agency of Education, Vermont has spent some of the federal funding it received to support school meal and summer meal programs, schools and early childhood providers as they adjust to outdoor learning and more through the Farm to School Grant Program, the Vermont Foodbank’s efforts to meet increased need and purchase from local farmers, and more.

+ HOW YOU & YOUR NEIGHBORS CAN ACCESS FOOD:

1. Meals for Kids: This fall, schools across Vermont are offering free meals to students, whether they’re learning at school or at home. Accessing meals for kids through local schools is safe, convenient, and a great way to ensure kids have the nutrition they need. Although these meals are currently free for all children 18 and under through the end of December, every household is encouraged to complete a school meal application- this helps your school qualify for more funding to feed students, and getting approved now means your children will continue to eat breakfast and lunch for free the entire school year. To learn how your community is serving meals, and to find meal pick up locations near you, visit:
   • Hunger Free Vermont’s fall 2020 Meal Program spreadsheet
   • USDA’s Meals for Kids Site Finder
2. WIC: WIC gives you access to healthy foods, nutrition education and counseling, breastfeeding support, and community referrals. If you’re pregnant, a caregiver, or a parent with a child under five, you may be eligible for WIC! Vermont WIC is open and most services are being done by phone appointment to align with social distancing efforts. WIC has also temporarily expanded their food list to add options for some hard to find items. To find out more and get help applying, visit WIC’s website or text ‘VTWIC’ to 855-11.
   Important Vermont WIC Links
   • WIC Homepage
   • Apply to WIC
   • Find your local WIC clinic
   • Temporary expanded food list (COVID-19)
3. 3SquaresVT: Has your household lost pay? Have your childcare expenses increased? 3SquaresVT is here for you and your family to help put food on the table! You may be eligible to receive a 3SquareVT benefit or increase the benefit you already receive. At the current time, individuals who are unemployed, or experienced a partial or total decrease in hourly work do not need to meet a work requirement. To find out more and get help applying dial 2-1-1 or text ‘VFBSNAP’ to 855-11.
   Important 3SquaresVT links:
   • 3SquaresVT Homepage
   • Apply to 3SquaresVT
   • Vermont Foodhelp
4. Meal Programs for Older Vermonters: People age 60 and older are especially encouraged to stay at home in order to protect themselves from Covid-19, but staying well nourished is also critical for your health. To help, you may be temporarily added to a home delivered meals route. For more information about meals for older adults, please call the Helpline at 1-800-642-5119.
5. Food assistance through the Vermont Foodbank network: The Vermont Foodbank is dedicated to supporting Vermonters during all times of need. To get help during this time of crisis, visit their website or call 1-800-585-2265.
6. Farmers to Family Food Boxes: Distributions of chicken, produce, dairy products, and non-perishable food are being held throughout the state this month. Find out about upcoming dates and locations here.

+ Resources for Grocers and Shoppers:

The Vermont Retail & Grocers Association is the leading voice representing Vermont’s retail industry. In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, VRGA has created, and is updating a resource guide for employers and businesses.

Store List: This list developed by Vermont Retail & Grocers Association has information about stores near you that accept 3SquaresVT and WIC, offer special hours for vulnerable populations, curb-side pickup, and other services during this time.