A Neighborhood Grocery Store Where Everyone Is Welcome

A Neighborhood Grocery Store Where Everyone Is Welcome

No one should have to choose between paying the rent and putting food on the table.

Foodworks, a program of Groundworks Collaborative, is more than a food shelf—it’s a welcoming neighborhood grocery store where anyone in our community can shop for free with dignity, choice, and respect.

Every day, individuals and families throughout the Brattleboro region face difficult financial decisions brought on by rising housing costs, increasing food prices, unexpected medical expenses, or changes in employment. Whether someone needs support for a short period of time or is facing a longer-term challenge, Foodworks is here to help.

Our store is open to anyone who could use assistance purchasing groceries. There is no income verification or lengthy registration process—just a warm welcome and access to nutritious food in a space designed to feel like any neighborhood grocery store.

Shopping with Choice and Dignity

At Foodworks, we believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to choose the foods that are right for themselves and their families.

Unlike traditional food pantries that distribute pre-packed bags, Foodworks operates as a free-choice grocery store, allowing shoppers to browse the aisles and select the foods they want based on their preferences, dietary needs, cultural traditions, and family size. This approach restores choice, reduces food waste, and creates a more personal and dignified experience.

Our staff and volunteers are committed to creating an environment where every visitor feels welcomed, respected, and supported. From the moment someone walks through our doors, our goal is simple: provide healthy food while treating every person with kindness and compassion.

Meeting a Growing Need

Food insecurity continues to grow throughout southeastern Vermont.

Last year alone, Foodworks served 4,767 individuals representing 2,027 households, including more than 1,200 children. Every month, approximately 60 new households visit Foodworks for the first time, reflecting the growing number of families, older adults, individuals living with disabilities, and people experiencing homelessness who rely on our services.

Demand has steadily increased over the past five years as housing costs, inflation, and economic uncertainty have placed greater pressure on household budgets. For many families, Foodworks has become an essential part of maintaining food security while working toward greater financial stability.

Fighting Hunger and Food Waste

Foodworks is also one of the region’s largest food rescue programs.

Each year, we rescue and redistribute more than $540,000 worth of nutritious food that would otherwise go to waste through partnerships with the Vermont Foodbank, local farms, grocery stores, convenience stores, and community partners.

These partnerships allow us to stock our shelves with fresh produce, dairy products, proteins, pantry staples, and other nutritious foods while reducing food waste and strengthening our local food system.

As demand continues to increase, we remain committed to expanding access to healthy food, particularly fresh produce, quality proteins, dairy products, and ready-to-eat options for neighbors with limited access to kitchen facilities.

Serving the Community Every Day

Foodworks operates year-round, providing reliable access to nutritious food five days each week.

For neighbors who cannot visit the store because of age, disability, illness, or transportation barriers, Foodworks also offers a monthly grocery delivery program, ensuring that everyone has access to healthy food regardless of their circumstances.

Foodworks serves people from every walk of life, including:

• Working families navigating rising grocery and housing costs
• Older adults living on fixed incomes
• Individuals receiving disability benefits
• People experiencing homelessness
• Families with children
• Community members facing temporary financial hardship

Whatever brings someone through our doors, they are greeted with the same warmth, respect, and commitment to helping them meet one of life’s most basic needs.

Looking Ahead

Foodworks continues to grow, so does our vision.

Groundworks is preparing to renovate the Foodworks facility to create an even more welcoming and accessible shopping experience for our community. The redesigned space will improve the customer experience, increase operational efficiency, and reflect the pride we take in providing a grocery store where everyone feels valued.

The renovation is also part of a broader effort to contribute to the continued revitalization of downtown Brattleboro—creating a vibrant, welcoming space that reflects the strength and resilience of our community.

Together, We Can End Hunger

Foodworks exists because of the generosity of donors, volunteers, community partners, and neighbors who believe that everyone deserves access to nutritious food.

Together, we are creating a community where no one has to face hunger alone, where food is offered with dignity and compassion, and where every person has the opportunity to thrive.

Whether you’re shopping, volunteering, donating food, or making a financial contribution, you are helping build a stronger, healthier community for everyone.

Foodworks Hours:

• Monday: 12-3
• Tuesday: 10-1 (10-noon reserved for seniors)
• Wednesday: 3-6
• Thursday: 10-1
• Friday: 12-3