WESTMINSTER — Summer comes with various seasonal opportunities for struggling families, seniors, and others to get the food they need, including farmers' market coupons, summer meals for children, and the chance to use 3SquaresVT benefits to grow your own food.
Southeastern Vermont Community Action's (SEVCA) Family Services staff can help area residents find out about the programs they may qualify for and assist them to apply for 3SquaresVT food benefits.
Many people don't know that 3SquaresVT benefits (i.e., food stamps) can be used to buy seeds and plants to grow fresh fruits and vegetables in their own gardens. This is a great way to stretch limited food budgets. Seedlings can be purchased wherever EBT cards are accepted.
More than 40 farmers' markets across the state now accept 3SquaresVT for starter plants as well as fresh produce. For a list of participating stores and markets, visit www.vermontfoodhelp.com. Participating farmers' markets will have a special booth to assist 3SquaresVT shoppers with their purchases.
Farmers' Market Coupons are another great resource. Whether or not a household is already receiving 3SquaresVT, they may qualify for a coupon book worth $30 to purchase fresh produce or seedlings at their local participating farmers' market.
SEVCA will be distributing coupon books to qualified households on a first-come, first-serve basis, with a number of coupon books set aside for seniors. To qualify, a household's income must be no more than 185% of the Federal Poverty Level, currently $2,456 per month for a family of two, or $3,739 per month for a family of four.
Interested households should phone SEVCA at 800-464-9951 to find out if they qualify. Unfortunately, walk-ins cannot be accommodated. There are a limited number of coupon books available, so interested families and individuals are urged to call as soon as possible.
Free summer meal programs for children are offered in many communities, including Brattleboro, Bellows Falls, Whitingham, Londonderry, Chester, Springfield, Ludlow, and many more.
People may visit www.hungerfreevt.org/summer-meals-sites to find a summer meals program in their community, or call SEVCA at the above number for help locating a program.