Stretch Your Food Budget in Summer

Summer is the most vulnerable time for Vermont’s kids 

Vermonters are hardworking people, but the high costs of food, fuel and other necessities make it tough to get by. Applying for 3SquaresVT can help you stretch your food budget so you can put three healthy meals on you table every day. 3SquaresVT is much more than just food. If you qualify, your children can get free school meals. With school coming to an end soon, your child may be eligible for summer meals. For a list of summer meals sites log on to Hunger Free Vermont, an updated list will be available in June. A family of four earning up to $3,871 a month may be eligible for benefits.

You may also use your benefit to grow your garden, what a great way to get children involved. Growing some of your own food is an inexpensive way to put fresh food on your table all summer long. You can use your benefit to purchase fruit and vegetable seeds or starter plants at any retailer that accepts EBT cards. You may also double your money by using 3SquaresVT benefits at the Farmers Market. Crop Cash allows you to get a free $1 token, for every $1 spent on your EBT card up to $10 per day. Just look for the managers table.

If you need an application for 3SquaresVT or assistance filling one out, please call SEVCA’s main office at 722-4575 or 1-800-464-9951, the receptionist will direct you to the worker in your area.

You may also apply online at www.mybenefits.vt.gov or at your local ESD office.

Free summer meals

Brattleboro will host a Summer Meals Kickoff event at Retreat Farm on Friday, June 28 from noon to 4 pm. Lunch will be served from noon to 12:45 pm and will be free for kids, and adults who come with a child that day! Attendees may enjoy the farm for free until 4 pm, including the calf barn, trails and learning garden.