3SquaresVT stretches hunger relief efforts across state

One in seven families in the state of Vermont cannot provide three nutritious meals for their loved ones each day. Statistics like these are what motivated Hunger Free Vermont, a not-for-profit organization founded in 1993 that works to combat hunger, to adopt the 3SquaresVT program, Vermont’s federal nutrition program. 3SquaresVT is part of the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Sustainable Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). SNAP also runs in other areas of the United States.

Since the program’s founding in 2000, it has grown substantially. Families, senior citizens and disabled community members make up the core of eligible participants.

Angela Smith-Dieng ’00, who graduated from Middlebury with a BA in English, began her job at 3SquaresVT after working for other national advocacy programs. A native of the Adirondacks, Smith-Dieng worked in Washington D.C. with a national collation that extended aid to immigrants detained in the United States, and she worked behind-the-scenes to advocate for human rights. She also has past experience working in direct services, like the food pantry, which gave her experience interacting with people from different backgrounds.

“I wanted to come back to Vermont and to work in the anti-hunger world again. I wanted to do something that would combine my two past work worlds, and Hunger Free Vermont does that,” she said. “Now, I work closely with agencies who feed people and I do feel connected to these people.”

As advocacy manager for 3SquaresVT at Hunger Free Vermont, Smith Deing coordinates the program’s statewide outreach efforts. She works with the Vermont state agency, the Department for Children and Families and several community service providers, like Addison Community Action. These organizations help eligible individuals apply to 3SquaresVT.

Department of Children and Families contracts Hunger Free Vermont, located in South Burlington, Vt., to conduct outreach for 3SquaresVT. Its goal is to curb the effects of hunger. For more information, email the organization at http://www.hungerfreevt.org or contact the group at (802) 865-0255.

Data from the USDA showed that in 2008, 79 percent of the 66,000 eligible people participated in 3SquaresVT, an increase of six percent from 2007.

“The stats highlight some of the progress Vermont has made,” said Smith-Dieng. “We need to reach more eligible candidates though. There is still work to be done.”

Smith-Dieng said that only 65 percent of employed individuals, who nonetheless were eligible for food stamps, joined the program in 2008, which also represents a one-point percentage drop from 2007’s 66 percent. Statistics also show that currently a meager 34 percent of eligible seniors are part of 3SquaresVT, and that the state ranked 11th in overall participation rates, compared to the other SNAP programs.

“We have to try and reach out to more of these people,” said Smith-Dieng.

She believes there are three main reasons for the low participation rates. First, there is a lack of information and awareness, so many do not realize they are eligible for aid. Those who are employed question why they receive benefits, and families do not understand that local service providers, like Middlebury’s HOPE (Helping Overcome Poverty’s Effects), also help people join programs, such as 3SquaresVT. Though an online application aims to boost current participation rates, Smith-Dieng sees the application process as another culprit plaguing Vermont’s involvement in the program.

“The process is long and daunting, and challenging to complete and fill out,” she said. “There is an interview and much documentation is needed as proof, which is difficult for those with limited English proficiency too.”

The final reason, according to Smith-Dieng, that explains the USDA’s results is that people have a hard time asking for help. This fact caused the program to change its name from the Food Stamp Program to 3SquaresVermont; it sought to lose the “food stamp” stigma.

“We want a more accessible and anonymous program,” said Smith-Dieng. “The program is also helping Vermont because federal money is being pumped back into the state. All benefits are spent in local grocery stores, so the program is a financial stimulus for the state.”

3SquaresVT uses this message to market its program, which in turn also helps Vermonters feel comfortable applying.

Currently, there are 90,566 people in the 3SquaresVT program, which has funneled about $11 million each month into the Vermont economy. In 2009, USDA studies showed that for every $1 the program gave to its participants, $1.84 was added to the Vermont economy. As the 3SquaresVT website states, “Eating healthier food is good for you and benefit dollars are good for Vermont’s economy.”

Those accepted by the program receive a “Vermont Express” or an “Electronics Benefits Transfer” card, which works exactly like a debit card and can be swiped. The amount of money on the card depends on the number of members participating in the program from each household. The card arrives in the mail on the first day of each month, and is used to purchase food. Alcohol, cigarettes, hot prepared meals, pet food, paper and household products, however, are not viable purchases. On average, participants save $250 a month through the program. Children are also eligible for free school lunches; currently, 97 percent of schools in Vermont serve both breakfast and lunch to about 94,000 students.

Eligibility, which is determined by the Department for Children and Families, is contingent on income. For example, a household of four must make less than $3,401 a month to qualify for the program.

Smith-Dieng admits that the USDA report is outdated, and that since 2008, there have been several changes in Vermont. 3SquaresVT has expanded its eligibility requirements by raising the maximum income, allowing more Vermonters to join, especially in light of the recent economic recession.

“What the rate will look like is tough to predict because there have been so many changes,” she said. “We are continuing to work hard to expand access and we are hopeful to improve.”

Once the census level from 2010 is published, the organization can better estimate current participation rates.

“In the future, I would love for there to be 100 percent participation,” said Smith-Dieng. “There are long-term health benefits to the program too. Our goal is to make sure all those eligible receive these benefits to really make a difference.”

Locally, Addison Community Action (ACA), located at 700 Exchange St. in Middlebury, partners with 3SquaresVT. The center, which offers services to those struggling to make ends meet, helps people fill out their application to the “food stamps” program.

Donna Rose, who has been working at ACA for over ten years, said she got involved with the 3SquaresVT program for Addison County because she “believe[s] in the mission of economic and social justice for all people.”

Rose also helps out at the center’s food shelf, which many families use to supplement their monthly benefit to 3SquaresVT.

“[3SquaresVT] is the safety net that prevents hunger and real starvation in this country,” she said.

Director of ACA Karen Haury has been with the organization since 1996. She feels 3SquaresVT is a “much needed and beneficial program to the residents of Vermont,” as she sees clear ties between a “healthy diet to a healthy life for adults and children.”

In January 2011 alone, Haury found that the ACA food shelf helped 217 households, about 501 people. Of these individuals, 75 percent were also members of 3SquaresVT.

The future is bright for 3SquaresVT, as it seeks to increase its participation rates for eligible, and especially working, candidates. The program also hopes to build on its partnerships with local organizations, like ACA, so individuals across the state of Vermont are guaranteed three nutritious meals a day.

Visit the 3SquaresVT program website at http://www.vermontfoodhelp.com to learn more and to find out about ways to get involved with the organization.