BARRE, VT – Today in Barre, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) joined nutrition advocates and leaders from across Vermont for a press conference outlining how President Trump and Republicans’ tax and spending bill will hurt SNAP (called 3SquaresVT in Vermont) and other hunger and nutrition assistance programs. Around 6,000 Vermonters are at risk of losing some or all of their SNAP assistance, and 600 Vermont retailers and farms at more than 40 farmers markets that accept SNAP will lose business because of these cuts.  

“No family should be forced to decide between putting food on the table and the essentials they need, but that’s a policy the Republicans passed in their tax bill. They’re kicking thousands of Vermonters off the food assistance they need—hurting families, kids, and seniors across the state. This also hurts our farmers, grocers, retailers, and farmers markets, many of whom will lose business because of these cuts. I’m fighting to repeal this terrible bill, and protect food assistance for everyone who needs it,” said Senator Welch. 

Senator Welch was joined by representatives from Hunger Free Vermont, Vermont Foodbank, Vermont Retailers and Grocers Association, NOFA-VT, Capstone, and local grocers.  

Last year, Vermonters enrolled in SNAP received an average of $184.48 per month, or $6.06 per day, in benefits. SNAP provides assistance to Vermonters from every walk of life, and last year SNAP beneficiaries in Vermont included: 57% of households with a person with a disability; 45% of households with older adults; 34% of households with children; and nearly 3,000 veterans. SNAP is also vital to helping feed Vermont’s children.  

In 2024, SNAP provided benefits to over 20,000 children in Vermont and provided them with eligibility to receive school meals. In addition to boosting low wages, SNAP is an economic driver, providing vital food assistance to low-income Vermonters who are between jobs, have unpredictable schedules, or lack paid sick leave and other benefits. SNAP also provides a reliable revenue stream for small businesses, with 700 Vermont retailers redeeming over $135 million in benefits in 2023. 

Senator Welch released new data this week spotlighting the negative impact of the tax and spending bill. As outlined by Senator Welch’s new fact sheet, 99.5% of Vermonters will be worse off because of the so-called One Big Beautiful Bill Act and President Trump’s economic policies. The Republicans’ policies are raising costs in health care, food, energy, mortgages, and more. 

Senator Welch voted against the so-called ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ Act and was outspoken in his opposition to the cuts and changes to the SNAP program. The Senator has been a leading advocate for protecting and expanding access to nutrition programs in the Senate. In May, Senator Welch hosted a press call with Senate colleagues, Oregon Governor Tina Kotek, and Hunger Free Vermont on Republicans’ efforts to gut SNAP. Senator Welch also recently introduced the Improving Access to Nutrition Act of 2025, legislation to help more Americans access SNAP by lifting Republicans’ punitive time limits on SNAP eligibility requirements.   

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