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Barre City reports $18,000 raised for SNAP gap support; local food partners handling distribution
Summary
Mayor said private donations totaling $18,000 — including $5,000 from a community relief board — have funded gift cards and food‑shelf support during SNAP benefit disruptions; state will load 50% of benefits and USDA contingency is uncertain, the mayor said.
Mayor updated council on local efforts to respond to a temporary reduction in SNAP benefits: private donations reached $18,000, with $5,000 from the Barre Community Relief program used for city residents, and the city is purchasing gift cards and coordinating with food shelves and partners to provide seven‑day coverage. "We managed to raise, $18,000 in private donations," the mayor said, thanking community groups and council members who helped with outreach and fundraising.
Staff said $25 gift cards are being distributed to residents through local partners (Capstone, Enough Ministries and others) and that the Vermont Food Bank is the primary distributor. The mayor described the state programming 50% of benefits to hit EBT cards and said the USDA has indicated contingency funding for the other 50% but with an uncertain timetable; local distribution is bridging gaps in the meantime. A resident thanked staff for direct outreach informing SNAP recipients about benefit changes and available help.
Councilors commended the rapid private and organizational response and asked staff to keep monitoring demand and to provide periodic updates to council as the federal and state situation evolves.
