Vermont Lawmakers Launch State-Funded Stopgap to Safeguard Food Stamp Programs Amid Federal Shutdown Threat

The Vermont Department for Children and Families recently announced it must pause food stamp distributions for November. This pause is a direct result of the ongoing federal government shutdown. As a result, state officials are acting quickly to find alternative food and heating assistance for those in need.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) informed Vermont that funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is insufficient due to the budget impasse. Senators Bernie Sanders and Peter Welch have sent a letter to the USDA, urging them to utilize available resources to continue support for families in Vermont and beyond.

Vermonters who rely on this support are understandably worried. The department has advised recipients to plan ahead and seek help from local food shelves and community resources in the meantime. With the potential for ongoing issues, state officials are scrambling for solutions to ensure that families get the assistance they need.

Rep. Emilie Kornheiser, who leads the Joint Fiscal Committee, empathizes with residents facing uncertainty. She recalls her own experiences with food stamps, emphasizing the anxiety that comes with the lack of information about available benefits. The state’s Emergency Board, which includes the governor and key legislative leaders, is scheduled to meet to discuss how to manage the impact of this shutdown.

Sen. Andrew Perchlik expressed confidence that some support will be available, although it may not cover the entire amount that’s normally received. If the shutdown continues, Vermont could adopt state-funded measures to keep the 3SquaresVT program operational.

Each month, the 3SquaresVT program costs around $12 million, funded through federal resources. Losing this funding could have a ripple effect, not only impacting families but also the local economy. As Ivy Enoch of Hunger Free Vermont puts it, the situation feels like a “manufactured crisis.” She highlights that many people living on a tight budget don’t have the luxury to plan ahead for such disruptions.

State Treasurer Mike Pieciak noted that many SNAP beneficiaries are seniors, individuals with disabilities, or families with children. He assured that Vermont has funds set aside to help bridge the funding gaps, emphasizing the need for a proactive plan to deploy these resources effectively.

This situation is a reminder of how interconnected our systems are, especially during challenging times. With the assistance programs in jeopardy, the focus shifts to the lawmakers and officials working to provide immediate solutions. As they devise plans, it’s critical to keep the most vulnerable populations in mind.

For more information on Vermont’s SNAP program and updates on assistance, you can refer to the Vermont Department for Children and Families [here](https://dcf.vermont.gov/dcf-news/information-vermonters-about-federal-delay-new-3squaresvt-snap-benefits).

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Emilie Kornheiser,food stamps,U.S. Department of Agriculture,Vermont Department for Children and Families