Food stamps help you buy food. They help you stretch your food budget so you can buy more and better food.

If you get foods stamps and have school-aged children, they can eat for free at school if the school they attend offers "free school meals".  We're talking both breakfast and lunch!

How Food Stamps Work in Vermont

Food stamps are distributed through electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards (called Vermont Express). The cards can be used at most stores that sell food. You would use it much the same way that you would use a bankcard or credit card.

If you are 65 or older or have a disability, your food stamp benefits may be deposited as cash directly into your bank account.

Where you can use your Vermont Express Card

You can use your Vermont Express Card to buy food at many grocery stores, convenience stores, markets, and co-ops. For a list of locations that will accept your EBT card, please click here.

You can also use your EBT card to buy fresh, local products at certain farmers' markets in Vermont. For a list of the ones currently accepting EBT cards, please click here.

Who is Eligible

Thousands of Vermonters can get food stamps and don't even know it. Eligibility depends on your income, the money you have saved, and how many people live in your household. If you meet certain guidelines, you can get food stamps. It's that simple! Of course, you do need to apply.

How to Apply and Get More Information

1. By Phone or In Person:
   Call or visit your local Economic Services District Office. A worker will review your situation and tell you what documents you need to provide. Click here for an application you can print, fill out, and bring to your local district office. If you are not sure which district office serves your town, click here to find out.  
    
2. On the Web.
   Visit the vermontfoodhelp.com website to learn more about the Food Stamp Program in Vermont, find out if you can get food stamps, print out an application form, and get help applying for food stamps. It also has information about other programs that can help you make ends meet.

Food Stamps for Immigrants

The food stamp rules for immigrants have changed, so you may be able to get food stamps now even if you could not before. If you are a documented resident of the U.S., you may also be able to get food stamps.

Getting food stamps also depends on your income, the money you have saved, and how many people live in your household. Getting food stamps will not count against you when you apply for your green card.

For information about food stamp benefits in other languages, click here.
 

“In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, political beliefs, or disability.”

“To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 ( TTY). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.”