Vermonters on the 3SquaresVT program will see their food benefits drop, starting in November.
Stimulus funds, authorized through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), have boosted food stamp benefits since 2009. That additional funding ends Nov. 1.
The Department for Children and Families, which administers the program, announced that it is mailing letters to all participants, notifying them of the change.
The change will affect “almost everyone’s benefit,” according to DCF. It offers the example of a family of four, which might see a $36 decrease each month, and an individual, who might see a decrease of $11.
“We recognize that this reduction will be difficult for households on tight budgets,” DCF Commissioner Dave Yacovone said in a statement. “Unfortunately, it is mandated by federal law and cannot be changed.”
Congress has yet to renew the legislation that funds 3SquaresVT due to disagreements between the House and Senate versions of the Farm Bill. Both contain cuts to the program, however. If the government shutdown continues, it would also affect funding.
