“This world is just a place for us to learn that we need each other more than we want to admit.”
― Richelle E. Goodrich
Get Help
Are you or someone you know having difficulty providing food for you and/or your family?
The Colchester Community Food Shelf (CCFS) provides free food to Colchester residents in need. Becoming a registered client of the CCFS is a quick and easy process! Please check the list of “Valid Documents” below to help speed up the registration process when you arrive at the Food Shelf.
How often can clients
Registered clients can shop at the Food Shelf once a month. Clients typically leave with a little more than a week’s worth of food to supplement their household.
What does a typical shopping list include?
A typical shopping list might include fresh produce, bread, a protein, such as ground beef, chicken thighs, hot dogs, etc., and non-perishables, such as pasta, pasta sauce, soup, tuna, cereal, peanut butter, jelly, juice, etc. The client shopping list is subject to change based on availability. You can view the typical client shopping list here.
What are the requirements to receive services?
Any Colchester resident is eligible to receive help/services from the Colchester Community Food Shelf. Stop into the food shelf during our regular business hours to fill out a registration form. A volunteer at the CCFS will help you complete the registration form. Please bring valid proof of residency showing your name and current Colchester address. A list of valid documentation for proof of residency is available below.
Valid Documents
- Utility bill
- Property tax bill
- Mortgage papers / Formal lease agreement
Invalid Documents
- Driver’s license
- Documents/mail that
do not contain both the client’s name and address - Documents with a P.O. Box as an address
Annual Requirements
- Clients are notified in January of the upcoming verification
- Annual verification typically begins in January and February
Where is the Food Shelf located?
The Colchester Community Food Shelf is located between Claussen’s Greenhouse and Union Memorial School in the old fire station in the village of Colchester .
When is the Food Shelf open?
The CCFS is open on WEDNESDAYS ONLY from 12 Noon to 6 PM and the FIRST SATURDAY of each month from 9 AM to 11 AM.
Having trouble finding us?
Call us at 802.879.2444.
Colchester Food Shelf
245 Main Street
Colchester, VT 05446
802.879.2444
Additional Resources
- 3SquaresVT: Has your household lost pay? Have your childcare expenses increased? 3SquaresVT is here for you and your family. You could be eligible to receive a 3SquaresVT benefit or increase the benefit you already receive. We can help you apply. Visit the Foodbank’s 3SquaresVT page, email 3svt@vtfoodbank.org, call 1-855-855-6181, or text VFBSNAP to 85511.
- Women, Infants and Children (WIC): WIC gives you access to healthy foods, nutrition education and counseling, and breastfeeding support. If you’re pregnant, a caregiver, or a parent with a child under five, WIC is right for you! To find out more and apply visit https://www.healthvermont.gov/family/wic or text VTWIC to 85511.
- Find a Food Shelf: The Vermont Foodbank partners with 215 food shelves, meal sites, senior centers, homeless shelters, and out of school programs across the state. Find a site close to you through the Vermont Foodbank’s food shelf listings.
- Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP): The CSFP is a federal nutrition program that offers free monthly nutrition information and nutritious foods to income-eligible older adults. Learn more at vtfoodbank.org/csfp.
- 2-1-1: The Vermont 2-1-1 database contains detailed descriptions of programs and services available to Vermonters that are provided by local community groups, social service and health-related agencies, government organizations, and others.
- Meal Programs for Older Vermonters: For more information about meals for older adults, please call the Helpline at 1-800-642-5119.
- Additional Resources: Visit vtfoodbank.org/gethelp