FOX44NOW.COM - Burlington/Plattsburgh News, Weather and SportsFood Stamp Benefits to Increase Wednesday

Food Stamp Benefits to Increase Wednesday

Vermonters who participate in a food stamp program called 3SquaresVT, formerly known as the Food Stamp Program, will be seeing a major boost in benefits this week.

The funding, made available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, includes approximately $34 million for the program.

Angela Smith-Dieng, 3SquaresVT/Food Stamp Outreach & Policy Specialist at the Vermont Campaign to End Childhood Hunger says participation has gone up.

"At the end of February 2009, there were a record 70,000 Vermonters receiving 3SquaresVT benefits.  Participation increased by 10,000 in just four months.  And, because eligibility expanded in January, more Vermonters now qualify," said Smith-Dieng.  "The benefits increase is also a good stimulus for Vermont as our farmers, grocery stores, and communities benefit from the increased economic activity, especially during these tough economic times."

Current participants in the program can expect the following benefit increases based on household size:

Source: USDA

The increase will go into effect Wednesday.  For more information or an application click here or call 2-1-1 and ask for information about 3SquaresVT.