Residents urge $6.3 million in state funding for 3 Squares Vermont; navigators highlight immigrant barriers

At a Health & Welfare forum held on 3 Squares Vermont Awareness Day, two residents urged state lawmakers to include $6.3 million in the fiscal 2027 budget to counter federal funding changes and keep the 3 Squares Vermont food assistance program available to eligible Vermonters.

Julia Burgess, a non‑licensed mental health counselor in Barre, Vermont, described relying on the program during a period when she had to rely on credit cards and had little left for food while building her private practice. "I'm not sure I have the words to express how important this program has been to ensuring that I have healthy food options," Burgess said, asking the legislature to fund an additional $6,300,000 in state fiscal year 2027 to counter federal funding changes.

The request included two other items, according to testimony: a $5 million request from the Vermont Food Bank and a separate $500,000 request (the transcript did not clearly identify the requester for the $500,000 figure). "These requests are like pieces of a puzzle," said Mariana Sears of Essex Junction, who described a Food Navigators pilot that brings information about food programs to immigrant and refugee communities in their own languages.

Sears, who said the navigators speak nine languages, told the panel that members of immigrant communities faced "a great deal of uncertainty" after recent federal changes, including unclear or conflicting notices and long wait times for help. She described navigators accompanying first‑time applicants to apply, teaching people how to use EBT cards and farmers markets, and helping with interpretation at events to distribute food and information. "With knowledge and willingness, navigators supported individuals and families and brought them closer to solutions to the available programs and resources," Sears said.

The moderator noted the testimony would be considered as budget and policy decisions proceed: "this will be on the list," the moderator said, indicating the comments would be included as staff and policymakers develop budget recommendations.

No formal vote or legislative decision occurred during the forum; the speakers presented testimony and asked that the legislature fund administrative costs to maintain access to 3 Squares Vermont in light of federal changes. The panel did not provide details on next steps or a timeline for action beyond including the testimony in budget deliberations.