Northeast Kingdom Community Action — Food

Food Assistance · Vermont · Free

Emergency food assistance, SNAP outreach, and nutrition education for low-income families in the Northeast Kingdom counties of Caledonia, Essex, and Orleans. Fathers can visit the Newport office or partner food shelves for groceries. Staff also help apply for 3SquaresVT and WIC. Bring photo ID, proof of income, Social Security cards for household, and rent or utility bills for benefits applications.

Contact & Details

Address: 703 Union St, Newport, VT 05855

Phone: (802) 334-7316

Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm

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About Food Assistance for Fathers

Food assistance programs for US fathers and families include SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly food stamps), WIC (Women, Infants, and Children — which serves custodial fathers of children under 5), the National School Lunch Program, food banks through the Feeding America network, and Meals on Wheels. SNAP is administered state-by-state; eligibility is generally based on household income below 130% of the Federal Poverty Level. Food banks operate in every state and are the fastest way to access food without an application — most require no ID or income verification for initial visits. TEFAP (The Emergency Food Assistance Program) supplies food banks with USDA commodities. Summer Food Service Programs feed children during school breaks. This directory includes each state's SNAP office, regional food bank networks, and WIC clinics.

Food Assistance in Vermont

Vermont's Family Division of the Superior Court handles all family matters statewide. The Office of Child Support Services operates under DCF. Burlington, South Burlington, Rutland, and Essex are the largest towns. Vermont Legal Aid and Legal Services Vermont (a nonprofit partner) provide civil legal aid, including a joint statewide Family Law helpline.

More Food Assistance in Vermont

  • Vermont 3SquaresVT (SNAP) — Monthly food benefits delivered by EBT card for eligible low-income Vermont families, known federally as SNAP. Fathers can apply online at D
  • Vermont Foodbank — Statewide food bank distributing groceries through a network of over 300 partner food shelves, meal sites, and community programs across Ver
  • Vermont WIC Program — Federally funded nutrition assistance providing healthy foods, breastfeeding support, and nutrition counseling for pregnant women, new mothe
  • Feeding Chittenden — Food shelf, community meal program, and nutrition classes serving Burlington and surrounding Chittenden County families. Fathers can visit t
  • Feeding America — Vermont Partners — National hunger-relief network with a food bank locator connecting Vermont fathers to local pantries, mobile food distributions, soup kitche
  • Rutland Food Pantry — Free food pantry serving Rutland and surrounding communities with groceries, fresh produce, and household essentials. Fathers and families c

Food Assistance — Common Questions

How do I apply for SNAP?
Apply through your state's Department of Human Services — online, in person, or by phone. Approval for basic cases can happen in 30 days; expedited SNAP is available within 7 days for households in severe need. Bring ID, proof of income, rent/mortgage, and utilities.
Can I use a food bank without applying?
Yes. Most food banks and pantries don't require income verification, ID, or applications for initial visits. Feeding America's online locator (feedingamerica.org) finds nearby pantries by ZIP code. Most pantries let you visit once or twice a month.
Are custodial fathers eligible for WIC?
Yes. WIC covers custodial parents (including fathers and grandparents) of children under 5, and breastfeeding or postpartum mothers. It's commonly assumed to be mother-only — it isn't. Apply at your local WIC clinic. Income limit is 185% of the Federal Poverty Level.
What is summer food service?
USDA's Summer Food Service Program feeds children 18 and under during school breaks. No application required — kids just show up at a participating site (schools, parks, libraries). Text FOOD to 304-304 to find a nearby site, or call 211.