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.