Wednesday, Oct. 1, is the start of the new fiscal year, and with it a significant change in eligibility for 3SquaresVT, the Vermont name for the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

In addition to increased work requirements to receive the benefits, most refugees and those seeking asylum will no longer be able to access the program at all.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture , which administers it, “SNAP provides food benefits to low-income families to supplement their grocery budget so they can afford the nutritious food essential to health and well-being.”

Jack Rossiter-Munley, director of programs and community engagement with the Bennington County Multicultural Community Center, which does refugee resettlement work, said the elimination of benefits

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