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Information for Retailers

Accepting 3SquaresVT provides an important service to your customers and increases your sales. 3SquaresVT supports your business and your community.

In Vermont, hundreds of retailers accept 3SquaresVT!

Once you take the steps to become an authorized retailer, it will pay off for your business and our community. Learn more about how to become an authorized retailer in this guide!

Request a free training for your staff today! Hunger Free Vermont would love to connect with your team and share best practices for creating a welcoming environment for 3SquaresVT shoppers.

 

Becoming an authorized retailer +

Read through our guide for retailers to see if you could qualify to become authorized.

Best practices +

3SquaresVT is our most effective food security program for people because it operates with privacy and dignity. You play an important role in upholding those tenants!

  • 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.

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.

Here is a list of retailers in the state that accept 3SquaresVT and WIC.

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.

 

For questions about the USDA-FNS application process, Vermont’s EBT equipment contract, or to speak with grocers in VT about their experiences with 3SquaresVT,contact Ivy at ienoch@hungerfreevt.org

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