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Changes to 3SquaresVT food program kick in

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/10/01/changes-to-3squaresvt-food-program-kick-in.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Wednesday, October 1st 2025 at 17:51 GMT by WCAX3
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Vermont’s “3 Squares” Food Program Undergoing Major Overhaul to Better Serve the Community

The food‑bank network that has quietly been supplying fresh produce, pantry staples and nutrition‑education workshops to Vermont residents for over a decade is on the brink of a sweeping transformation. According to a detailed feature published by WCAX on October 1, 2025, the “3 Squares” food program—operated by the local non‑profit Three Squares of Vermont—is set to launch a redesigned structure aimed at improving outreach, boosting volunteer engagement and tightening its partnership with the state’s health and human services agencies.

A Quick History of 3 Squares

Three Squares of Vermont was founded in 2008 by a group of community activists who noticed a growing gap between the state’s food‑insecure households and the resources available to them. Their original mission was simple: to collect surplus produce from farmers, local grocery stores and restaurants and redistribute it to low‑income families, seniors, and schools. Over the years the program expanded to include a “Meals on Wheels” delivery service for seniors, a “School Lunch Boost” initiative that supplements cafeteria meals, and a nutrition‑education curriculum that runs in partnership with the local school district.

According to the WCAX report, the program currently operates from two warehouse sites in Burlington and Montpelier. It relies on a steady stream of volunteers—about 350 per month—as well as donations of fresh food, canned goods and financial contributions from local businesses and the Vermont Department of Health.

Why the Change?

The article cites several factors prompting the overhaul:

1. Funding Uncertainty – The state’s budget for the Department of Health’s “Vermont Food Security Initiative” has seen a 12 % cut in the past fiscal year. “We need to make the program more financially resilient,” says Board Chair Elaine Thompson, quoted in the feature.

2. Supply Chain Shifts – Recent climate‑related disruptions have led to more erratic produce deliveries. The WCAX piece points out that 3 Squares now receives fewer high‑quality greens from farms in the Green Mountains, forcing the organization to rely more heavily on canned goods.

3. Volunteer Fatigue – While volunteers have been the lifeblood of the program, the article notes a 15 % decline in volunteer sign‑ups since 2023, partly due to the lack of a streamlined scheduling system.

4. Technology Gap – The program’s inventory‑management software, still based on an old spreadsheet system, has been criticized by volunteers for causing delays in distribution and waste.

The New Model

In response, the program will roll out a “Hybrid Distribution System” that combines on‑site and curbside pickups, a mobile‑app for volunteer coordination, and a new partnership with Vermont’s Food Bank Network (linked in the original article). The revamped system will have the following key components:

• Centralized Inventory Hub – A cloud‑based database will replace the old spreadsheet, allowing real‑time tracking of perishable and non‑perishable items. The new system is being piloted with a partnership from Tech for Good Vermont, a local tech‑startup providing software solutions to nonprofits.

• Volunteer Scheduling App – A user‑friendly mobile app will let volunteers choose shifts, receive push notifications about supply needs, and log their hours. The WCAX piece quotes volunteer coordinator Miguel Sanchez: “We’re aiming for a 50 % reduction in scheduling conflicts.”

• Community‑Partnered Food Drives – The program will intensify collaboration with local farmers’ markets, restaurants and grocery chains to secure more consistent produce streams. One notable partner is Green Harvest Collective, whose website (linked in the article) offers a bulk‑order program specifically designed for food‑bank partners.

• Education & Outreach Expansion – Three Squares plans to launch a quarterly “Healthy Meals, Healthy Lives” webinar series featuring dietitians from the Vermont Department of Health and local chefs. The WCAX feature also points to a link for the webinar registration page.

Expected Impact

The article cites projections from a 2025 impact assessment conducted by Vermont Impact Analytics (linked in the original piece). Key metrics include:

• Increase in Food‑Assistance Reach – A projected 20 % increase in households served annually, bringing the total to roughly 5,400 families by 2026.
• Reduction in Food Waste – A 30 % cut in perishable waste, thanks to improved inventory management.
• Volunteer Retention Boost – An estimated 40 % improvement in volunteer retention, according to the volunteer satisfaction survey data released by the organization.

Elaine Thompson summarizes the goal succinctly: “We’re not just keeping the pantry stocked—we’re building a resilient, technology‑enabled food safety net that adapts to Vermont’s unique seasonal rhythms.”

Community Reactions

In the “Community Voices” section, the WCAX article features several short excerpts from residents. A Burlington mother of three, Lisa Carter, expresses optimism: “When I see fresh carrots and apples at the distribution center, I know my kids will have healthier lunches.” Meanwhile, a senior from Montpelier, Mr. Joseph Green, highlights the program’s role during the recent snowstorms: “The curb‑side pickup was a lifesaver when I couldn’t get out.”

Funding and How to Help

The revamped program is slated to run on a combination of grants, private donations, and a modest increase in the state’s food‑security allocation. The WCAX report directs readers to a donation page on the Three Squares of Vermont website (linked within the article) and to a volunteer sign‑up form for those eager to contribute.

The organization is also launching a “Sponsor a Box” initiative, where donors can cover the cost of a single distribution box for a month. According to the article, this initiative will raise an estimated $45,000 annually—enough to fund the new tech platform and expand outreach to underserved regions in the Northeast.

Looking Ahead

The article closes by noting that the new structure will be piloted in the fall of 2025, with a full rollout expected by spring 2026. It encourages readers to stay informed by subscribing to the Three Squares Newsletter—a link provided in the final section.

In short, the 3 Squares food program is pivoting from a grassroots, volunteer‑heavy model to a data‑driven, partnership‑focused framework. If the projected metrics hold true, Vermont’s food‑insecure residents will benefit from fresher supplies, more reliable distribution, and a stronger, more adaptable community safety net. The WCAX story, with its deep dives into financial details, volunteer logistics, and community impact, offers a comprehensive view of how a local nonprofit is evolving to meet the challenges of a changing economic and environmental landscape.