Image of assorted vegetables
SNAP-Ed works to improve nutrition security, which means all Vermonters have consistent, equitable access to the nutritious, safe, and affordable foods that are essential to living healthy lives.

A snapshot of hunger & food security in Vermont

According to Hunger Free Vermont, 40% of people in Vermont experience hunger every day. Prior to the pandemic, this number was 1 in 10, or 10%. It is no wonder that the USDA recognizes food and nutrition security as a goal -- poor nutrition is associated with chronic health conditions, higher health care costs, and health inequities, since certain subgroups of the population are more likely to be impacted than others. Click to see USDA Nutrition Security report

Children with enough nutritious foods learn better and have a lower risk of developing mental and physical health conditions. Adults with enough food to eat also have a decreased risk of developing mental and physical health conditions.

Programs like 3SquaresVT and SNAP-Ed provide resources to reduce barriers to healthy eating and physical activity—which, in turn, impact rates of chronic disease.


Helpful Resources

Browse this page for statewide healthy eating and food access resources, plus resources for preparing fresh, healthy foods on a budget.

Help getting food

Find a Food Shelf Locator: Find a food shelf via the Vermont Foodbank’s searchable map of food shelves and pantries located across Vermont.

3SquaresVT: Income-eligible Vermonters get a debit card that can be used to buy food at stores and farmers markets around the state.

Crop Cash: Vermonters who get 3SquaresVT benefits can exchange $10 of benefits and get $20-$30 in Crop Cash to buy fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs at local farmers markets.

WIC: Income-eligible Vermonters who are pregnant, breastfeeding, have a new baby, or have young child(ren) get healthy food, formula, and a range of nutrition and breastfeeding support and resources.

Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP): Older Vermonters (age 60+) who meet income requirements can get a box of non-perishable, healthy staple food items—like cheese, pasta, and vegetables— from various locations across the state.

VeggieVanGo: VeggieVanGo vans park at schools, hospitals, and other community sites around Vermont and provide free, fresh produce to anyone in need.

School Meals: Schools are a great resource to help families stretch their food budgets. Many schools offer breakfast, lunch, and even snacks at a free or reduced rate depending on one's household income. If interested, parents and caregivers should talk to their schools about accessing school meals.

Summer Meals: Many kids participate in Vermont’s free or reduced school meal program—however, in the summer, many lose access. Hunger in the summertime contributes to "summer learning loss" and can prevent children from enjoying their summer breaks. Summer Meal Programs bridge the gap between school years, giving children ages 18 and under the fuel they need to return to school ready to learn. Ask your school about Summer Meal sites near you or check out this list from Hunger Free Vermont (updated annually).

Help preparing healthy meals on a budget

Food Hero: Oregon State University’s resource helps you learn how to shop for and prepare healthy, tasty meals for the whole family. Plus, there is content just for kids!

Spend Smart. Eat Smart: This database, from Iowa State University, has tons of tips and recipes for how to eat healthy while sticking to a budget. Every recipe features the cost per serving.

Hunger and Health: Feeding America’s recipes feature ingredients that are commonly found at food banks. Most meals are simple, require little to no tools or equipment, and they are budget-friendly and nutritious.

How To Eat Right When Money’s Tight: This handout from the USDA offers up some tips to stretch your food dollars.

Resources for community partners
If you are looking to share nutrition education and food access information with the community, look at the following resources.

Vermont Nutrition Education Committee (VNEC): This committee, faciliated by Vermont's SNAP-Ed program, is one of many resources to help Vermonters find, prepare, eat, and store healthy, nutritious food. Representatives from many of the programs listed above meet, as VNEC, a few times per year to share program updates and look for opportunities to collaborate. Contact Stephanie Bergen at [email protected] for more information about his group. New members are welcome!

Food and Nutrition Resources for Vermont Families: This resource provides a high-level overview of food access programs offered across the state, including eligibility information and how to sign up.

Vermont Food and Farm Health Program Inventory: Farm to Plate’s comprehensive report lists the community programs across Vermont working to elevate food security.

Food Security Networks of Vermont: Led by Hunger Free Vermont, ten regional networks are committed to learning about hunger and improving community and household food security. The networks coordinate efforts and build strong nutrition safety nets at the community and statewide levels.

Food Security in Vermont: Roadmap to 2035: Developed by Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund, this comprehensive roadmap guides the vision that all Vermonters will be food secure by 2035.

Local Planning for Food Access: This toolkit provides information to enhance food access through municipal and regional plans.

Abenaki MyBowl and related resources

Abenaki MyBowl - 8.5 x 11 inches (letter sized)

Abenaki MyBowl - 12 x 16 inches (placemat sized)

Abenaki MyBowl is a collaboration between the Abenaki Nation of Missisquoi and the Vermont Department of Health. The contents of Abenaki MyBowl are derived from the voices of Vermont's indigenous community and intended to honor tradition, encourage eating from the land, and promote health. We encourage eating in accordance with the seasons, balance and variety, and the use of traditional flavor enhancers like herbs, maple syrup, and honey. Please note that Abenaki MyBowl includes general daily serving suggestions, but servings vary based upon individual needs.

Abenaki Nation of Missisquoi Learn more about the Abenaki Nation of Missisquoi and how it nourishes the surrounding community via its on-site food pantry.

Nulhegan Food Security Programs In partnership with multiple food access organizations across Vermont, the Nulhegan Band of the Coosuk Abenaki Nation offers an array of food security programming.

Abenaki Land Link Project Led by the Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont, Rooted in Vermont, and the Nulhegan Band of the Coosuk Abenaki Nation, the Abenaki Land Link Project aims to provide healthy food to Abenaki citizens.

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