This commentary is by Ivy Enoch of Richmond, SNAP policy and training lead at Hunger Free Vermont.Earning a college degree is challenging, especially for Vermont students who balance school, jobs and family while working to put food on the table. Fortunately, a new policy change now makes it easier for Vermont’s community college students to access 3SquaresVT, the state’s name for the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, to help with grocery expenses so they can focus on success in school.As of October 1, 2024, Vermont’s Department for Children and Families adopted a policy that eliminated a prohibitive work activity requirement for community college students seeking to gain eligibility for 3SquaresVT. This policy change recognizes that mandating work requirements is simply not effective at incentivizing work, because 80% of CCV students are already employed while pursuing their degree. The student work requirement does nothing other than create arduous and burdensome paperwork requirements, posing a legitimate barrier to 3SquaresVT for students simply trying to meet their basic needs while learning. This policy aligns Vermont with other states like Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Washington and Connecticut, which have taken similar steps to support community college students by increasing access to programs like SNAP that help with basic living expenses. By removing the student work requirement, Vermont is supporting the food security of our community college students.So, what does this mean for CCV students? If you’re enrolled in a two-year associate degree or certificate program (excluding liberal studies students) you no longer have to meet the “student work requirement” to qualify for 3SquaresVT. Benefits are provided on an EBT card, which works just like a debit card, and can be used at grocery stores and farmers’ markets in VT, across the country, and even online. A family of three who meets income requirements could receive up to $768 every month for groceries.National studies show that students attending community colleges are more likely to face challenges when it comes to getting enough food for themselves and their families. In fact, nearly one in four students at community colleges struggle to afford groceries — this is an unacceptable reality. CCV, under guidance from President Joyce Judy, has dedicated great attention and resources to the issue of food and basic needs security among students. The institution has created robust student resource centers at every campus, holding in-person classes where students can access staple foods, a hot meal and support from a trained peer mentor in navigating program applications like 3SquaresVT. We see this as a best practice, one worth investing in. We commend CCV and President Judy for their commitment to their students’ well-being, and for being a vocal supporter of this shift in 3SquaresVT policy.This policy is a win for students, families and Vermont’s economy. By ensuring students have access to the support they need to stay healthy and nourished, they are better positioned to succeed in school and their future careers. No one should ever have to choose between food or books for class. It’s a victory for all of us who believe in the power of education to transform lives.We commend Vermont’s Department for Children and Families for adopting this common-sense policy. By making it easier for community college students to access 3SquaresVT, they are not only addressing the immediate needs of students but also contributing to the long-term success of the state’s workforce and economy. To all CCV students: we encourage you to see if you qualify for 3SquaresVT! You may be leaving behind grocery money that you rightfully deserve. If you want or need some support through the application process, call 2-1-1 and ask for 3SquaresVT assistance, text VFBSNAP to ‘85511’ or visit vermontfoodhelp.com to learn more.Thank you, Vermont Department for Children and Families, for this important step forward. With this change, Vermont is leading the way in supporting community college students, ensuring they have the resources they need to succeed both in the classroom and in life.Read the story on VTDigger here: Ivy Enoch: Vermont eases access to food program for community college students.