9-10 a.m.: 3SquaresVT Policy Updates & Future Directions — Economic Services Division Food & Nutrition Team (ESD)

Join Hunger Free Vermont and the Department for Children and Families (DCF) for a warm welcome to the conference, followed by a presentation from ESD about program updates, changes, and future directions. Come with questions.

10:05-11:10 a.m.: 3SquaresVT 101 — Sophie Springer, Hunger Free Vermont

Sophie, Hunger Free Vermont’s 3SquaresVT Specialist, will be going over the basics of the 3SquaresVT program. Participants will receive an overview of key topics, including eligibility rules, the application and enrollment process, and effective outreach strategies to increase participation. This is a great primer for anyone newer to the 3SqauresVT program.

10:05-11:10 a.m.: Building our (Compassion) Endurance — Bonnie Hudspeth, Silvo Cooperative

With everything on our plates, the shifting of resources and requirements thrown at us, and the increasing struggles of the community members we care about and serve, how do we sustain ourselves and have endurance?  Join this session to learn strategies for “resistance training” to help us build on our skills–at the individual, workplace, and peer community levels–so we can sustain our compassion and keep making transformative change in our communities.

11:15 a.m. to 12 p.m.: Working with Work Requirements — Hayley Turner-Lawyer, ESD Program Manager

This session will cover the basics of 3SquaresVT work requirements and leave attendees with an understanding of how to effectively communicate these rules to clients and support them in maintaining benefits. Come with your questions!

11:15 a.m. to 12 p.m.: Local Food For All! — Johanna Doren, Direct Markets & Local Food Access Director, NOFA-VT

Join this session to demystify programs that support both food and farm security in Vermont. You'll leave with an understanding of how these programs work, and how YOU can make sure people know how to tap into them to make local food more affordable.

12:15 to 1 p.m.: Lunch with Vermont’s federal leaders

Grab lunch and join Vermont’s Congressional Delegation to talk about food security, 3SquaresVT, and more.

1:05 to 2 p.m.: Unpacking the Payment Error Rate — Economic Services Division

What is the Payment Error Rate, and why does it matter? Join this session to learn what the payment error rate is — and what it isn't — what drives a payment error, and how service providers can help support low payment errors.

1:05 to 2 p.m.: Creating Affirming Application Experiences for 3SquaresVT Applicants — Amber Leventry (they/them), LGBTQIA+ Educator and Advocate

Amber Leventry invites participants to learn about gender identity, food insecurity for transgender folks, and how we can work together to lessen some barriers so people can get the food they need.

2:05 to 2:40 p.m.: Form 210A (Page 2) and YOU — Ivy Enoch, Hunger Free Vermont

Service providers play an important role in supporting people in accessing the personal obstacle/barrier to work exemption. This is a broad exemption to the time limited benefit work requirement, but it is very underutilized. Join this session to learn about this exemption and how to complete the necessary verification form.

2:05 to 2:40 p.m.: Your 3SquaresVT Rights: Appeals/Fair Hearings — Olivia Graffeo-Cohen, Vermont Legal Aid

Everyone who applies for or receives 3SquaresVT has the right to appeal any decision made by ESD that they disagree with. But what does that look like? This session will cover the basics of appealing a decision, including how-tos and critical deadlines, the purpose of a fair hearing, and what folks can try alongside a formal appeal. You will leave with a general understanding of the process and where to direct your client if they want legal support from Vermont Legal Aid.

2:05 to 2:40 p.m.: How to ensure your digital design is accessible — Natalie Williams (she/her), Hunger Free Vermont

Whether you’re making slides, social media posts, a website, or something else online, you’re going to want it to be as accessible as possible. We’ll talk about basics of accessible digital design, such as font, color choice, and more!

2:05 to 2:40 p.m.: Navigating Eligibility with Immigrant Communities — Dory Thrasher (she/they), FRAC

This session will provide an overview of how H.R.1 changed SNAP eligibility for immigrants, and offer guidance on how to message the program to combat the chilling effect while ensuring people have the information they need to make the best decisions for themselves.

2:05 to 2:40 p.m.: 3SVT Networking & Beyond* —Vicky Castillo, Hunger Free Vermont

This Snackbite Session is an unstructured space where attendees are invited to gather to get to know one another and expand upon conversations and learnings. Practices to support your body and mind will also be shared as an option for attendees to step away, replenish, and take a break during this time.

*This session will not be recorded.

2:45 to 3:35 p.m.: Effective Multilingual 3SquaresVT Outreach with the Food Navigators — Avery MacLean, NOFA-VT, and Mariana Lamaison Sears, Hunger Free Vermont 

Stay engaged during the conference’s last hour with this inclusive, innovative and community centered model to reach out to communities

2:45 to 3:35 p.m.: Session focused on messaging & communications in this moment — Center on Budget and Policy Priorities

More details to come!

3:30 to 4 p.m.: Close Out

Join Hunger Free Vermont’s Director of Policy and Advocacy Ivy Enoch and fellow conference attendees for a warm and conversational reflection of the conference theme and what we are taking with us.