Information for Retailers

Timely Updates & Changes - last updated 9/18/23 +

Temporary Allowance of Hot Food & Prepared Foods

Due to recent severe storms and flooding, FNS has temporarily allowed the purchase of HOT food and hot prepared items with SNAP EBT benefits at authorized retailers in the following counties through October 17, 2023:

• Caledonia, Chittenden, Lamoille, Orange, Orleans, Rutland, Washington, Windham, and Windsor

All SNAP Authorized Retailers should adjust their POS to allow SNAP shoppers to purcahse hot food items until the above expiration date. Display this sign to ensure SNAP shoppers know about this change.

Help Spread the Word about P-EBT This Summer!

In August 2023, roughly $10 million in federal Pandemic EBT (P-EBT) benefits will be issued to families across Vermont, and we want to keep those federal dollars in our state!

More than 80,000 Vermont students will receive a federal P-EBT benefit of $120 per child which will come on an EBT Card. This program is a great way for families to stretch their summer food budgets, support local farmers and the local economy, and keep valuable federal dollars into Vermont!

If you are a SNAP-authorized retailer, you will be able to accept P-EBT benefits, which can be run exactly like 3SquaresVT/EBT at the register. Please consider displaying this sign to let your customers know to support your business with their P-EBT benefits!

Becoming an authorized retailer +

Am I eligible to become an authorized retailer?

Food retailers and direct market vendors must meet at least one of the two food stocking rules:

1. Sell at least three varieties of each of the following staple food groups on a daily basis (including perishable foods in at least two of the following categories):
   • Meat, poultry, or fish
   • Bread or cereal
   • Vegetables or fruits
   • Dairy products

2. Receive more than 50% of gross sales from the sale of the above staple foods.

How can I become an authorized retailer?

You will need to apply to the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The process takes about 30-45 days and involves an application, site visit, and equipment setup.

The fastest way to apply to accept 3SquaresVT is by completing an online application with the USDA-FNS. You can also request a paper application be mailed to you by calling 1-877-823-4369. The packet will be mailed to you within five days.

Please note: You will see 3SquaresVT referred to as SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), which is the federal program name.

Best practices +

Here is a list of positive behaviors and best practices you can foster to create a welcoming environment and ensure that all customers can shop with privacy and dignity.

• Treat 3SquaresVT customers like any other customer. Many of your current customers are likely 3SquaresVT participants. In fact, 1 in 6 people in Vermont receive 3SquaresVT!

• Respect your customer’s right to choose the kinds of food they want to buy.

• Help make your customers feel more comfortable using the EBT card by posting a sign in your entryway that says you gladly accept EBT. If you would like a free sign, contact Hunger Free Vermont.

• Respect your customers’ privacy. Handle EBT transactions discreetly. Remember that customers may be new to the program and not know what items they can purchase with their benefits or how to use their EBT card.

Resources for retailers +

Print and display these “We welcome 3SquaresVT/EBT” signs in your store! This will create a welcoming environment for people shopping with 3SquaresVT.

• We Welcome 3SquaresVT/EBT Digital Graphic
• We Welcome 3SquaresVT/EBT Small Graphic
• We Welcome 3SquaresVT/EBT Print Graphic

The Neighboring Food Co-op Association (NFCA) has developed food access programs in an effort to balance financial sustainability with making healthy food and member-ownership more accessible. Learn more about healthy food access programs like Food for All, Co-op Basics, Pennywise Pantry here.

The Vermont Retailers and Grocers Association (VRGA) supports retailers in a number of ways, including accepting 3SquaresVT and promoting other food access programs. VRGA compiled a list of retailers in the state that accept 3SquaresVT and WIC, offer special hours for vulnerable populations, and offer curb-side pickup or other services during this time.

Know Your Rights +

As a retailer, the U.S. Department of Agriculture guarantees you certain rights in the 3SquaresVT application process:

• You have the right not to be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, political beliefs, or disability.

• You have the right to have your questions about the application process answered when you call the Food and Nutrition Service field office.

• You have the right to have a decision from the Food and Nutrition Service within 45 days of the office receiving your completed application.

• If your application is denied, you have the right to apply again after six months.