SEVCA keeps kids, families fed during the summer

WESTMINSTER — 3SquaresVT helps make sure that people in need don't go hungry by providing monthly food assistance to eligible families and individuals through a user-friendly electronic-benefits transfer (EBT) card.

Additional nutritional support is available during the summer months through several supplementary programs, such as summer meals programs for kids and Farm-to-Family coupons.

Eating the right food is critical to good health, and 3SquaresVT has partnered with farmers' markets across the state to make sure those receiving benefits can use them to get plenty of fruits and vegetables.

To locate a farmers' market near you that accepts 3SquaresVT, visit hungerfreevt.org/farmers-markets-3squaresvt. Most markets offer an additional incentive: for every dollar in 3SquaresVT benefits spent, they will provide $1 of free tokens for use at the market, up to a value of $10 per day.

In addition, Farm-to-Family coupons are now available to help families in need purchase fresh produce at farmers' markets. SEVCA is distributing coupon books worth $30 each to eligible low-income households on a first-come, first-served basis.

A limited number of coupon books are available, so interested families and individuals are urged to contact SEVCA at 800-464-9951 as soon as possible to apply. Coupons must be redeemed by Oct. 31.

Members of SEVCA's Family Services staff are also available to assist households to apply for 3SquaresVT by appointment. To schedule an appointment, call 800-464-9951. To apply for 3SquaresVT benefits online, visit vermontfoodhelp.com.

Subscribe to the newsletter for weekly updates