As the “giving season” approaches, many Vermonters are looking to contribute to their local food shelf or food pantry.

But what can and cannot be accepted for donation at a food shelf is at times a point of confusion.

Luckily, the Burlington Free Press spoke with Anna McMahon, associate director of Feeding Chittenden — a Burlington-based nonprofit food service organization that feeds 12,000 people each year through a number of programs, including a food shelf.

McMahon set the record straight on the types of items that are accepted for donation at Feeding Chittenden.

Food to donate

Feeding Chittenden is accepting a wide variety of both perishable and non-perishable items — as long as nothing is past its expiration date.

This time of year, the food shelf is particularly interested in holiday-themed donations, McMahon said. Frozen turkey, pie crust, and packaged Tofurkey are some big-ticket items.

Pre-made and pre-packaged meals, which can often be found in grocery stores, are particularly helpful for donation recipients who are homeless and don’t have a kitchen to cook in. McMahon mentioned pre-made mashed potatoes, stuffing, and mac and cheese as some popular items this time of year.

Some donation recipients at Feeding Chittenden do have homes with kitchens, but cannot afford ingredients to cook with. For this reason, a lot of recipients ask for fresh produce, McMahon said.

Produce does not have to be packaged in order to be accepted. Even just a couple of potatoes or carrots lying around the house can be helpful donations, as long as they are good quality, according to McMahon.

Items to donate that are not food

Spices and oils are also helpful items to donate. Unopened products are preferred, but Feeding Chittenden would probably accept partially used spices and oils, as long as they are good quality, McMahon said.

Some non-edible items that are often requested at Feeding Chittenden are menstrual products, soap, can openers, diapers, baby food, and infant formula.

Of course, cash donations are also always much appreciated at Feeding Chittenden.

“As little as $25 will help feed a family of four,” McMahon said.

The nonprofit is also accepting volunteers to help make food deliveries, prepare meals, and stock shelves. More information about volunteering can be found here: https://feedingchittenden.org/get-involved/

Feeding Chittenden is located at 228 N. Winooski Ave. in Burlington, and open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Fridays.

Contact April Fisher at [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter: @AMFisherMedia