Food Resources

3SquaresVT & Fuel Assistance

Helping You Stretch Your Budget for Food and Heat

3SquaresVT is Vermont’s version of the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). It provides monthly benefits to help you buy the food you need and want. Many older adults in Vermont qualify but haven’t applied—often because they don’t realize they’re eligible.

Who Can Apply?

You may be eligible if:

• You are 60 or older, or have a disability
• You live alone or with others who buy and prepare meals together
• Your household income is within certain limits (even if you own your home or have savings)

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

3SquaresVT in a SNAP: A Simplified Option

If everyone in your household is 60+ or receives disability benefits, and no one is earning income from a job, you may qualify for 3SquaresVT in a SNAP.

This simplified version of the program offers:

• A shorter, 4-page application
• No interview required
• Benefits certified for 3 years with no additional paperwork unless your situation changes

This option makes it easier for eligible households to access the support they need.

How We Can Help

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

• Help you understand the program and determine your eligibility
• Assist you in completing and submitting your application
• Answer any questions you have along the way
• 
  

Contact us at 800-642-5119 or email info@nekcouncil.org to get started.

Fuel Assistance in Vermont

Vermont's Fuel Assistance program helps eligible households with their home heating expenses, whether they own or rent their homes. This assistance can cover various heating sources, including oil, propane, kerosene, wood, pellets, and electric heat.

Eligibility

You may qualify for Fuel Assistance if your household's gross monthly income is at or below 185% of the federal poverty level, based on household size. Both homeowners and renters, including those whose heating costs are included in their rent, may be eligible.

Application Process

You can apply for Fuel Assistance through the same application used for 3SquaresVT, making it convenient to apply for both programs at the same time. Applications can be submitted online, by mail, or in person at your local district office.

Additional Benefits

Once approved for Fuel Assistance, you may also be eligible for free weatherization services to improve your home's energy efficiency.

Need Assistance?

If you need help with the application process or want to learn more about Fuel Assistance:

Phone: 800-642-5119 or Email: info@nekcouncil.org

Our trained staff are ready to assist you with understanding the program, determining your eligibility, and completing your application.

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.

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

View Current Meal Sites and Schedules »