Food Resources

Helping Older Adults Stay

Nourished and Connected


The NEK Council on Aging offers a variety of nutrition programs to support healthy aging—whether you're joining others at a community meal site, receiving meals delivered to your home, or getting help buying groceries. We believe that access to nutritious food is essential, and we’re here to help you find the right support.

Home Delivered Meals

Our Home Delivered Meals program provides nutritious, ready-to-eat meals delivered directly to the homes of older adults who are medically homebound and unable to prepare meals on their own.


  • Meals are typically delivered once or twice per week depending on location
  • Each meal is carefully prepared to meet dietary guidelines
  • A friendly check-in from the driver helps support health and safety


Eligibility:

  • Age 60+ and medically homebound
  • Short-term or long-term needs considered


To learn more or to see if you qualify, call our Helpline: 800-642-5119


Community Dining Sites

Congregate Meals bring people together at local meal sites for good food and great company. These community-based meals offer older adults the chance to connect, share a meal, and stay active.


  • Open to adults 60 and over and their spouses
  • Meals are available by suggested donation (typically $4–$5)
  • Many sites also offer fun activities and wellness programs



Click here for printable list of Community Dining Sites

Help with Food and Heating Costs


3SquaresVT (Food Assistance)

3SquaresVT is Vermont’s food assistance program that helps older adults and people with disabilities buy groceries each month. Many who qualify haven’t applied—often because they don’t realize they’re eligible.

You may qualify if:

  • You are age 60 or older
  • You have a disability
  • You live alone or with others who share food expenses
  • Your household income is within certain limits (owning a home or having savings does not disqualify you)

Even if your income is slightly over the limit, you may still qualify if you have high medical expenses or other deductions.

If everyone in your household is over 60 or receives disability benefits, and no one is working, the application process may be shorter and easier—without interviews or extra paperwork.


Fuel Assistance (Help with Heating Costs)

Fuel Assistance helps with the cost of heating your home—whether you own or rent. This includes oil, propane, kerosene, wood, pellets, and electric heat.

You may qualify if:

  • Your household income is within program limits
  • You pay for heat directly or it’s included in your rent

Applications can often be completed at the same time as 3SquaresVT, and once you’re approved, you may also be eligible for home weatherization support.


We’re Here to Help

NEKCOA has trained staff ready to assist you with the entire application process. We will:

  • Help you understand the programs
  • Determine your eligibility
  • Complete and submit your application with you
  • Answer your questions every step of the way

Call our Helpline at 800-642-5119 to get started.

Additional Benefits

Crop Cash

What Is Crop Cash?

Crop Cash is a Vermont program that helps people using 3SquaresVT/SNAP benefits stretch their food dollars at participating farmers markets. When you spend your SNAP benefits at these markets, you receive matching funds (called Crop Cash) that can be used to buy fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, and edible plant starts.


Summer Season (May–October): For every dollar spent using SNAP benefits, you receive an additional $1 in Crop Cash, up to $20 per day.


Winter Season (November–April): Each dollar spent is matched with $2 in Crop Cash, up to $20 per day.


No additional application is needed.


Just visit the market manager’s booth at a participating market to use your EBT card and receive Crop Cash coupons.

In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), religious creed, disability, age, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.


Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the agency (state or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.


To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online at: https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ad-3027.pdf, from any USDA office, by calling (833) 620-1071, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation.


The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to:


1. Mail: 

  Food and Nutrition Service, USDA 

  1320 Braddock Place, Room 334 

  Alexandria, VA 22314


2. Fax: (833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442


3. Email: FNSCIVILRIGHTSCOMPLAINTS@usda.gov


This institution is an equal opportunity provider.