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3SquaresVT Trainings

Join Hunger Free Vermont to gain a deeper knowledge of 3SquaresVT, enhance outreach skills, and participate in focused discussions alongside new and seasoned service providers and advocates alike.

These trainings are for you!

Whether you work directly with 3SquaresVT applicants, or simply want to learn more about and better communicate the benefits of the program, we hope you can join us.

We offer public trainings via Zoom—see below for our schedule. We also offer private trainings for organizations and groups who want to train up their staff or dig deeper into a specific area of the program. Request a training today!

Upcoming Trainings

Request a training for your staff today!

No trainings scheduled for now. Check back soon or request a training!


Past Trainings (recordings available)


 September 30, 2024: Annual Changes to 3SquaresVT  

Watch the recording here.

Training Description: Changes to 3SquaresVT occur annually on October 1 (with the start of a new federal fiscal year), including income eligibility limits, deductions, and benefit amounts. This year, there will be additional changes to the program on October 1 related to work-reporting requirements and community college student eligibility. 

 August 29, 2024: Connecting College & Graduate Students to 3SquaresVT  

Watch the recording here.

Training Description: Like anyone else who qualifies, college & graduate students are entitled to participate in and receive support from 3SquaresVT, but there are a lot of misconceptions about how college & graduate students may be eligible. Join this session to learn more about college/graduate student eligibility requirements, how to support students through the application process, and best practices for outreach to students!

Training Hosts: Ivy Enoch, Hunger Free Vermont's SNAP Policy & Training Lead; and Jamie Lombardo, Vermont Foodbank's Manager of Community Resources are experts in 3SquaresVT eligibility policy, application assistance and outreach.

 May 29, 2024: Navigating the Federal Medical Expense Deduction (FMED)  

Watch the recording here.

Training Description: The Federal Medical Expense Deduction (FMED) is one of the most valuable yet labor-intensive deductions in the 3SquaresVT program. It allows participants 60+ and/or those with disabilities to deduct out-of-pocket monthly medical expenses, and it can make a huge positive impact on benefit amounts.

In this training, attendees will leave with an understanding of what this deduction is, why it matters, and how to assist clients in claiming it. Attendees will also leave with strategies, tips, and tools they can use to help their clients through this process successfully, so that they receive the highest 3SquaresVT benefit for which they qualify.

 May 22, 2024: Understanding 3SquaresVT in a SNAP  

Watch the recording here.

Training Description: 3SquaresVT in a SNAP (3SNP) is the easiest way for older adults and people with disabilities to apply for 3SquaresVT and remain in the program for a longer period of time. 3SNP-eligible people have simpler application and recertification processes, are certified for longer, and receive individualized case worker support.

In this training, attendees will leave with an understanding of 3SNP--who is eligible, how to apply, and how to share positive messages about 3SNP.

 March 28, 2024: 3SquaresVT 101!  

Watch the recording here.

Training Description: This training is for community partners who are new to the world 3SquaresVT—or for anyone who wants a refresher on the basics! Join us for an overview of 3SquaresVT eligibility requirements, the application and enrollment process, and positive messaging & outreach strategies. There will be plenty of time to ask your questions, however broad or specific!

 March 7, 2024: 3SquaresVT Household Composition & Special Populations  

Watch the recording here.

Training Description: One of the first crucial steps of determining eligibility is understanding who is in the 3SquaresVT household. Who must apply together, who can apply separately, and what does it mean to be an “excluded” household member? This training will unpack all of these questions, and highlight a few population-specific composition program rules (for foster youth, older adults, immigrants).