Food benefits will fall short, advocates say

MIDDLEBURY — Individuals and families who rely on 3SquaresVT — the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in Vermont — will get some good news and bad news beginning Oct. 1.First, the good news: SNAP benefits are slated to increase by 25% in order to better reflect current food prices, what Americans typically eat, dietary guidance, and the nutrients in food items, according to the United States Department of Agriculture.Now the bad news, according anti-hunger advocates: The looming SNAP b … (read more)

MIDDLEBURY — Local human services providers are bracing for changes in rules governing the biggest federal food assistance program — changes they say would result in fewer people qualifying for benefits like food commodities and free school meals. Propose … (read more)

BRANDON — A snapshot from the state of how local schools performed on state tests show a sharp disparity in performances between those on free and reduced-price lunches and those who are not on the program. Now, a new change in federal law could compound … (read more)