What is Hunger Free Vermont doing in response to
Tropical Storm Irene?
Hunger Free Vermont is working with administrators from the Department for Children
and Families, Department of Education, and USDA officials to ensure that critical benefit
programs like 3SquaresVT and free school meals are available to all eligible citizens.
For example, Vermonters have a short window of time to apply for replacement
3SquaresVT benefits for food lost during the storm. Hunger Free Vermont quickly
mobilized our resources and networks to get this critical information spread across
Vermont via 1500 contacts in the state.
Due to the flooding of the Waterbury office complex, systems such as the document
processing center and the call center are down. In light of this, Hunger Free Vermont is
in constant communication with state administrators to ensure applications will be
processed in a timely manner. We are also conducting extensive outreach to connect
families with benefits such as 3SquaresVT and free school meals (development of flyer,
news article, PSA, e-alert, etc.).
Hunger Free Vermont manages www.vermontfoodhelp.com which we update frequently
with the latest information on benefits available to families. Families can request an
application through this website or fill out an online application at
www.mybenefits.vt.gov. As Vermonters have requested applications post-Irene, Hunger
Free Vermont quickly mails them out along with important tips and handouts. Thus far,
we have sent over 50 applications to Vermonters across the state. We have also been
using www.vermontfoodhelp.com and social media sites to provide updated information
on how Vermonters can receive disaster assistance, as well as how Vermonters can help
their neighbors recover during this time.
Hunger Free Vermont is communicating with the Vermont Congressional delegation to
ensure that our lawmakers are aware of the increased hunger and need in our state due to
Tropical Storm Irene. We are working with the delegation on both outreach efforts
(PSA) and advocacy efforts (seeking waivers) where appropriate.