SNAP, known in Vermont as 3SquaresVT, is a federal nutrition program that provides monthly funds to low-income people to buy groceries. 3SquaresVT is administered by the VT Department for Children and Families, which reviews applications and determines eligibility. The federal reconciliation package passed July 2025 shifts a higher percentage of the cost to states to administer SNAP, and will require Vermont to cover 25% more of the cost beginning October 1, 2026. This change will mean an estimated $8.4 million annual increase in costs to Vermont, which would amount to approximately $6.3 million in costs for State Fiscal Year 2027. Adequate state funding to continue operating 3SquaresVT at current levels will ensure greater food security and health outcomes for families with young children.

The Alliance supports Hunger Free Vermont’s request to the Legislature to appropriate the necessary state funding to cover the increased cost to administer 3SquaresVT. This program must remain available, accessible, and functional for Vermonters, and for families of young children in particular, who depend on 3SquaresVT to put food on the table at home.

Lead Organization: Hunger Free Vermont

Data and Talking Points

• $6.3 million in additional funds are needed to administer 3SquaresVT for FY27, which will allow Vermont to continue receiving $150+ million in federal SNAP benefits annually