“If you want happiness for an hour, take a nap. If you want happiness for a day, go fishing. If you want happiness for a year, inherit a fortune. If you want happiness for a lifetime, help somebody.”

― Chinese Proverb

Wednesday, December 18 – Grocery Hours

Cartoon of cars, trucks, and vans on a windy road.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18 FOOD SHELF HOURS: 12 NOON TO 6 PM

The Colchester Community Food Shelf will be open on Wednesday, December 10th, from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM.

SCHOOL TRAFFIC ALERT: Please be aware that Union Memorial School buses will be active between 2:30 – 3:30 PM. To ensure safety and access, please do not block the school’s entrance or exit. If you park in Claussen’s lot, please avoid blocking access to the mailbox.

BRING REUSABLE BAGS: When you bring your reusable bags to the Food Shelf, it’s a win-win! It helps us pack your groceries with ease and allows us to focus our resources on what matters most—providing food for our community. Together, we can reduce waste and ensure every dollar goes further to support families in need. Thank you for partnering with us!

2025 PROOF OF RESIDENCY (POR) ARE NOW BEING ACCEPTED: If you’re a new client or have been asked to provide proof of residency for 2025, please remember to bring it with you. Acceptable forms include utility or medical bills, or any recent document showing your name and current Colchester address.

FOOD SHELF CLOSURE POLICY DUE TO WINTER WEATHER: Donations can be dropped off on Wednesdays between 11:00 AM and 6:00 PM. If possible, we encourage drop-offs between 11:00 AM and noon, as this is when our volunteers are preparing for the day before opening.

DONATIONS: Donations can be dropped off on Wednesdays between 11:00 AM and 6:00 PM. If possible, we encourage drop-offs between 11:00 AM and Noon, as this is when our volunteers are preparing for the day before opening.

The Colchester Community Food Shelf is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that operates entirely through the generosity of our community. We receive no federal, state, or local funding and rely solely on donations to sustain our work. Financial contributions are especially appreciated, as they help us cover essential costs like food and utilities.

If you’re thinking about organizing a food drive, we invite you to visit the Donate page on our website. There, you’ll also find our Client Shopping List, highlighting the items most needed. Contributions from this list have a direct and immediate impact on the families we serve.

HELP US SPREAD THE WORD: Please share this information with those who may not see our updates on Front Porch Forum, Facebook, or our website!

WHERE TO FIND US?
The Colchester Community Food Shelf is located at 245 Main Street, Colchester, between Claussen’s Greenhouse and Union Memorial School.

Our mailing address for donations is Colchester Food Shelf, PO Box 625, Colchester, Vermont 05446.

QUESTIONS? Email us at info@colchesterfoodshelf.org or call 802-879-2444. If calling outside our Wednesday hours, please leave a message and we’ll get back to you.

Wednesday, December 11 – Grocery Hours

A red sign that reads, "OPEN".

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11 FOOD SHELF HOURS: 12 NOON TO 6 PM

The Food Shelf will be open on Wednesday, December 11, from 12 Noon to 6 PM.

PROOF OF RESIDENCE: Please don’t forget to bring Proof of Residency if you have not brought updated paperwork since October 1. Proof of Residence can in the form of a current bill, lease, etc., with your name and address. A driver’s license or car registration can not be used as Proof of Residence.

REUSABLE BAGS: If you have reusable bags, please bring them with you to the food shelf. Volunteers will use them for your groceries.

DONATIONS: We appreciate your generosity and if you are thinking of organizing a food drive, please visit our website. On the Donate page of the website, you will find a list of items we stock on the Client Shopping List page. Clients benefit from donations selected from this list. Volunteers are available on Wednesday from 11 AM to 12 Noon to handle donations while they prepare for the day. We also appreciate financial donations which provide funds towards our purchases of food as defined on our shopping lists.

Please note the Food Shelf operations with an all-volunteer staff and financial donations are used to cover the cost of food and utilities. Please visit the Donate page on our website for ways to support our mission.

Help us spread the word to those that may not see the Front Porch Forum, Facebook, or website posts!

Where Can You Find Us?
The Food Shelf is located at 245 Main Street, Colchester, between Claussen’s Greenhouse and Union Memorial School.

Our mailing address for donations is Colchester Food Shelf, PO Box 625, Colchester, Vermont 05446.

Questions? Email info@colchesterfoodshelf.org. We can also be reached by phone at 802-879-2444. If you call outside our Wednesday hours, please leave a message.

A Heartfelt Thank You!

Thank You

A Heartfelt Thanksgiving Thank You to the Colchester Community!

At the Colchester Community Food Shelf, there’s a saying we often hear: “Colchester takes care of its people.” And once again, you’ve proven it true.

When we shared our need for turkeys and supplies to help feed nearly 200 families this Thanksgiving, you didn’t hesitate to answer the call. During our drop-off times, you donated hundreds of pounds of food and nearly 200 turkeys!

One memorable moment was when Adam from Saba Marine showed up with a literal boatload of food—an incredible display of generosity that captured the spirit of this community.

Thanks to your kindness and support, we not only met the need—we surpassed it!

On behalf of the Board, our volunteers, and the families who rely on the Colchester Food Shelf: Thank you! Thank you! Your generosity means the world to so many.

Help us spread the word to those that may not see the Front Porch Forum, Facebook, or website posts!

Where Can You Find Us?
The Food Shelf is located at 245 Main Street, Colchester, between Claussen’s Greenhouse and Union Memorial School.

Our mailing address for donations is Colchester Food Shelf, PO Box 625, Colchester, Vermont 05446.

Questions? Email info@colchesterfoodshelf.org. We can also be reached by phone at 802-879-2444. If you call outside our Wednesday hours, please leave a message.

Wed., Dec. 4 / Sat., Dec. 7 – Grocery Hours

Reusable bags packed with food items.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4 FOOD SHELF HOURS: 12 NOON TO 6 PM
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7 FOOD SHELF HOURS: 9 AM TO 11 AM

The Food Shelf will be open on Wednesday, December 4, from 12 Noon to 6 PM and Saturday, December 7, from 9 AM to 11 AM.

PROOF OF RESIDENCE: Please don’t forget to bring Proof of Residency if you have not brought updated paperwork since October 1. Proof of Residence can in the form of a current bill, lease, etc., with your name and address. A driver’s license or car registration can not be used as Proof of Residence.

REUSABLE BAGS: If you have reusable bags, please bring them with you to the food shelf. Volunteers will use them for your groceries.

DONATIONS: We appreciate your generosity and if you are thinking of organizing a food drive, please visit our website. On the Donate page of the website, you will find a list of items we stock on the Client Shopping List page. Clients benefit from donations selected from this list. Volunteers are available on Wednesday from 11 AM to 12 Noon to handle donations while they prepare for the day. We also appreciate financial donations which provide funds towards our purchases of food as defined on our shopping lists.

Please note the Food Shelf operations with an all-volunteer staff and financial donations are used to cover the cost of food and utilities. Please visit the Donate page on our website for ways to support our mission.

Help us spread the word to those that may not see the Front Porch Forum, Facebook, or website posts!

Where Can You Find Us?
The Food Shelf is located at 245 Main Street, Colchester, between Claussen’s Greenhouse and Union Memorial School.

Our mailing address for donations is Colchester Food Shelf, PO Box 625, Colchester, Vermont 05446.

Questions? Email info@colchesterfoodshelf.org. We can also be reached by phone at 802-879-2444. If you call outside our Wednesday hours, please leave a message.

Thanksgiving Distributions and Giving Tuesday

A cartoon turkey and a pumpkin.

IMPORTANT: PICK-UP TIMES FOR TURKEY AND DINNER FIXINGS

IMPORTANT: If you signed up to receive a turkey and dinner fixings you must pick up items during one of the following distribution times. These are the only times for pick-up:

  • Tuesday, November 26 from 11 AM to 2 PM
  • Tuesday, November 26 from 4 PM to 7 PM

PLEASE NOTE: The Colchester Community Food Shelf will be CLOSED on Wednesday, November 27!

Today is Giving Tuesday!

This Giving Tuesday, we invite you to make a meaningful impact in our community by supporting the Colchester Community Food Shelf. With the rising number of families relying on our services, your generosity is more crucial than ever.

Each month, we provide supplemental food to over 180 households, including seniors, children, and individuals facing food insecurity. As we approach the holiday season, we’re also working hard to ensure that every family has access to the nourishment they need for warm, festive meals.

Here’s how you can help:

  • Donate Online: Your financial support helps us purchase fresh produce, meats, and pantry staples to stock our shelves. Since we are staffed by volunteers, every dollar goes directly toward feeding our neighbors in need. Donate at: Colchester Community Food Shelf
  • Drop Off Food Donations: Items like canned vegetables, pasta, soups, and personal care products are always in demand (Our Shopping List). Visit us at 245 Main Street, Colchester, during our drop-off hours; Wednesdays from 11am to 6pm.
  • Spread the Word: Share our mission with friends, family, and colleagues to help us reach even more supporters.

Together, we can make a profound difference in the lives of our Colchester neighbors. Your generosity on Giving Tuesday helps ensure no one in our community goes hungry.

Thank you for your continued support and compassion.
Visit our website to donate or learn more about how you can help.

Let’s make this Giving Tuesday one of hope and kindness for all!

Questions? Email info@colchesterfoodshelf.org. We can also be reached by phone at 802-879-2444. If you call outside our Wednesday hours, please leave a message.

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