SNAP Week of Action Toolkit
Date: August 17-21, 2026
Where: Nationwide!
Organized by: Food Research Action Center. In Vermont: Hunger Free Vermont
What’s Happening
Right now, we’re seeing the largest participation decline in SNAP in three decades. This time last year, 5,000 more people were connected to 3SquaresVT (Vermont’s name for SNAP). Caseload decline is only good news if people no longer need help. But we know food costs remain high and economic insecurity persists.
A growing body of evidence shows what we already know: SNAP is essential for people and improves health outcomes. And yet, a little over a year ago leaders in Congress enacted the deepest funding and eligibility cuts to SNAP in its history.
Cutting SNAP does nothing to support people. Making it harder for states to operate SNAP does nothing to support families. Limiting people’s grocery budgets does nothing to support local businesses and farmers.
That’s why we are joining communities and advocates in Vermont and nationwide for the SNAP (3SquaresVT!) week of action, August 17 to 21.
Goals for the SNAP Week of Action
Raise awareness about the impact of losing food assistance
Celebrate importance of 3SquaresVT for families, farmers/grocers, and the health of our communities
THANK Vermont’s congressional delegation for their advocacy to restore food assistance for families
THANK the State of Vermont for fully funding 3SquaresVT and increased benefit assistance to help Vermonters stay connected to food assistance.
Remind all of us that food assistance programs are OUR programs – and they’re still here for us
Daily Actions
Note: These actions can be taken any day! This is just when we suggest you participate.
Monday, August 17: Raise awareness about the impact of losing food assistance
Action: Share your story - How have changes to SNAP impacted you, your friends, or community?
Tuesday, August 18: Celebrate the importance of 3SquaresVT for families, farmers, and economy
Action: Repost our social media or share on your local Front Porch Forum
Sample Front Porch Forum message:
Subject: The Most Effective Food Assistance Program
Body: More than 58,000 Vermonters tap into 3SquaresVT (known nationally as SNAP) for food assistance. 3SquaresVT helps our neighbors, friends, and family make ends meet. This strengthens our communities by ensuring people can afford groceries AND other essentials like rent or gas to get to work without having to make tradeoffs to fill the gap. 3SquaresVT is our most effective food assistance program. Learn more at vermontfoodhelp.com
Wednesday, August 19: Thank the Vermont congressional delegation for advocacy to restore food assistance for families
Thursday, August 20: Thank the State of VT for fully funding 3SVT and increased benefit assistance to help Vermonters stay connected to food assistance.
Action: Repost on social media or Contact the governor or Contact your legislator!
Sample letter to governor:
Dear Governor Scott, Thank you for including 3SquaresVT administrative funding in your FY27 budget. It’s important to know that you recognize this critical food assistance program which not only helps tens of thousands of Vermonters afford groceries, but supports hundreds of food retailers and farmers. Every SNAP dollar goes further than the checkout line. During economic downturns, every $1 in SNAP benefits generates up to $1.80 in economic activity, supporting farmers, grocery stores, and local businesses.For the first time in SNAP's history, states will soon be required to pay a share of SNAP benefit costs. SNAP has never been part of a state line-item budget. Congress shouldn't shift the cost of fighting hunger to states. This is outrageous – but I thank you for taking action where the federal government is falling short. I implore you to join other Governors in their urging leaders in Congress to delay the burdensome cost shift by two years for all states. Please continue to make policy options that ensure the best outcomes for ALL in Vermont.
Friday, August 21: Food assistance programs are OUR programs & they’re still here for us
Action: Repost on social media or request flyers (free!) to hang in your community to help spread the word about food assistance programs like 3SquaresVT, Crop Cash, and more