COLCHESTER — On Nov. 8, families gathered around six different tables, with translators of their respective languages at each, for an informational event and food distribution held by the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants’ (USCRI) Vermont Field Office. They listened to the whiplash of changes to SNAP benefits and what next steps they might take to step out of food insecurity.

The event, attended by about 70 people, took place at Saint Michael’s College.

Food insecurity for the 42 million Americans who rely on nutrition assistance deepened with the prolonged government shutdown. Many immigrants have been placed in an even more precarious position, said Michele Denault, the program manager of health & wellness for USCRI.

Earlier this month, states had to comply with changes out

See Full Page