FOX44NOW.COM - Burlington/Plattsburgh News, Weather and SportsIncreasing Enrollment in Food Stamp Program

Increasing Enrollment in Food Stamp Program

It's no surprise people are going without in these tough times. And for some, they're choosing pride, over help.

But according to a recent federal report, not enough people are applying for food stamps.

In Vermont, more than 1 in 4 people are eligible but not enrolled.

And there's one specific group of people, health leaders specifically want to welcome in.

"The program has changed a lot over the last few years," Angela Smith-Dieng said, of The Vermont Campaign to End Childhood Hunger.

3SquaresVT, the state's food stamp program has both a new name, and an updated image.

"It's a nutrition program, it's not a welfare program," Champlain Valley Agency on Aging Communications Director Sarah Lemnah said.

And health leaders say the need is at an all-time high.

"More than 85,000 Vermonters are currently participating in the program," Smith-Dieng said.

The Vermont Campaign to End Childhood Hunger is just one organization that's trying to reach even more low-income vermonters.  So is the Champlain Valley Agency on Aging.

"Every year they're raising the rates actually people maybe didn't qualify 6 months or a year ago, might qualify now," Lemnah said.

Especially senior citizens.  Only 40% of seniors who are eligible, are actually enrolled.

"They went through the depression, they're used to going without, they cut back they don't want to ask for help," Lemnah said.

The CVAA has food outreach specialists, that can help.

"Seniors are not online, so they really need that one on one contact," Lemnah said.

One of the other things both agencies want you to know, 3SquaresVT brings in $10 million a month to the state of Vermont that ordinarily wouldn't be here.

If you think you're eligible, getting help is simple.

You can call 211, (800) 642-5119 OR click here.

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