How it Works

Shopping at the Waterbury Common Market

Guests are welcome to shop with us twice a month for a "full shop," which includes all the sections of the store. It’s up to you when you want to come, whether it's every two weeks or at the beginning and end of the month.

If you find you need food after you’ve already shopped twice, you're welcome to come in and shop for just bakery, produce, and USDA commodity items. These are items that we don't have to purchase, so they're available to you as you need them.

When you visit the market, we usually have a limit of four shoppers at a time. One of our volunteers will let you know when you're free to start shopping, and you can shop on your own using our new carts and baskets. Most of our food categories have limits, which are shown on the shelves. At the end of your shop, you'll check out at the desk and we will help you pack and carry your groceries. The check-out process helps us keep track of our inventory, but everything is free to shoppers.

Exterior of the Waterbury Common Market on Main Street

Your First Shopping Trip

If it’s your first visit we’ll have you fill out a short "new client" form. This is very simple and only takes a few minutes. And we promise to keep your information confidential.

What information do you need on the new client form?

We will need the information listed below. You can rest assured that we will keep it confidential and not share it with anyone.

Your full name
Address
Date of birth
Phone number
How many people are in your household that you share food with
Name and date of birth for each person.

You will also need to fill out the TEFAP Commodities Form. Recipients must affirm that they live in Vermont by signing the Statement of Eligibility form to receive USDA Foods from the Commodities Form.

Can I fill out the form before I come?

Shelves of food at the Waterbury Common Market

We have many of the same items you'd find at the grocery store.

Canned foods
Toiletries
Produce
Dairy
Meat

Breads & bakery items
Personal care items
Feminine care items
Pet food
USDA commodities

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a limit to how much I can get?

Yes, we have limits on most items, and our volunteers will point these out as you shop. Some parts of the store have unlimited items, such as fruits and vegetables, baked goods, USDA commodity items, and non-perishable items that are past their freshness date.

Is there an income limit to who can shop?

Anyone can shop at the Waterbury Common Market, if they feel it would help put food on their table. We offer food support for both short-term and long-term needs.

Can I shop any time I want?

You can come in for a full shopping trip twice a month, where you can select from every item in the store. If you find you need food in between these shops, you can come in and choose from among the unlimited items such as baked goods, produce, USDA commodities, and non-perishable items that are past their freshness date.

Does the food cost anything for shoppers?

All of the food is FREE to our shoppers. We are able to stock our shelves and offer this service thanks to the donations from others in the community.

Where does the food come from?

Most of the food in our Market is purchased through our partners at the Vermont Foodbank, Shaws, Village Market, Mansfield Dairy, and Woodstock Farmers’ Market. We get weekly donations of bakery items and frozen meat from our local Shaws Supermarket, baked goods from Black Cap Vermont, as well as gleaned produce from Community Harvest of Central Vermont. We also rely on food donations from our community.

Should I bring bags?

Yes, it's very helpful if you bring your own reusable bags. But don't worry — if you forget them or don't have any with you, we have extras you can use.