The Chittenden Emergency Food Shelf (CEFS) is the largest direct service anti-hunger organization in Vermont. Since 1974, the Food Shelf has worked to alleviate hunger by pursuing our mission of feeding people and cultivating opportunities throughout Chittenden County.  

The Food Shelf provides critical nutrition assistance to more than 11,000 Vermonters who struggle with food insecurity every year. Over the past year, we have provided more than 1.2 million meals to people who are food insecure. Those we serve include our community’s most vulnerable populations: children, seniors, people with disabilities, New Americans and people who are homeless. 

We provide hot meals, groceries, job training support and program outreach services. Help us fight hunger in our community by getting donating today!

Did you know...

CEFS distributed over 2.2 million pounds of fresh and non-perishable food (or approximately 1.8 million meals) in the last year.

CEFS also operates the largest hot meal program in Chittenden County, providing hot meals to guests six days a week.  Over the past year, CEFS provided 61,224 meals through this program. 

Staff and volunteers deliver groceries, fresh produce, and packaged meals to around 145 homebound clients through the Homebound Grocery Delivery Program, which serves seniors and people with mobility-related disabilities.  

The Good Food Truck provides thousands of fresh meals per year along with outreach services.

Community Kitchen Academy (CKA) has completed 24 course sessions at the Food Shelf, graduated 152 students, created more than 275,362 nutritious meals, and attained a 91% job/higher education placement rate.