Looking for help getting food?
Everyone deserves good food—food you enjoy, that helps you thrive.
Explore Vermont’s food programs and resources below, and if you’re not sure what’s right for you, just dial 2-1-1 to talk with a trained specialist who can help you find what programs you are eligible for.
There are many programs here in Vermont that can help you stretch your food budget and reliably make sure you have the food you need!
3SquaresVT +
3SquaresVT (known nationally as SNAP) is a program that gives you 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 $1,158 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, depending on income. Learn more about qualifying and applying for 3SquaresVT here. Looking for information about changes to 3SquaresVT? Click here.
Crop Cash: When spending 3SquaresVT/SNAP dollars at a farmers market, you'll receive extra money to spend on local fruits, vegetables, herbs, and culinary seeds and plant starts. Markets will match up to $20 of your SNAP dollars per day.
Crop Cash Plus: Until October 31, 2025, participants using their EBT card at the farmers market can also get up to an extra $10 to buy other foods from Crop Cash Plus! Visit NOFA-VT’s website to learn more and to find a farmers market near you!
Food for children +
School Meals: Students in Vermont’s public schools can enjoy free breakfast and lunch thanks to Universal School Meals. Some schools also serve afterschool snacks and meals.
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 and chestfeeding support, and referrals to other support services. Families who receive 3SquaresVT benefits are automatically income eligible for WIC and can participate in both 3SquaresVT and WIC if they meet the other WIC requirements. To find out more and get help applying, visit WIC’s website or text ‘APPLY’ to 1-844-TEXT-WIC (1-844-839-8942).
Food for older Vermonters (60+) +
The Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) offers a monthly free box of food like rice, pasta, beans and canned vegetables. You can qualify for this program based on your income. Click this link to learn more and to apply.
Meals on Wheels delivers home made meals to folks who are unable to purchase or prepare their meals at home. 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.
For People with Disabilities +
Meals on Wheels delivers free home made meals and grocery shopping assistance to folks living with short and/or long term disabilities. There are many organizations in Vermont that provide Meals on Wheels service and support. For more information, call the Vermont Center for Independent Living at 1-800-639-1522.
3SquaresVT in a SNAP is the easiest way for 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. To receive personalized assistance with applying for 3SquaresVT call 1-800-479-6151. All relay calls accepted.
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.