“I’d be dead without The Open Door,” says Abby*, age 40. “I’m not kidding.”

Abby and her boyfriend were struck by a drunk driver three years ago. Sitting in the passenger seat, her injuries included a severe cut to the face. Unable to drive or work, she started receiving meal deliveries while she recovered.

“The Open Door is the best thing that ever happened to me, especially during a time of pain.”

~ Abby*

A chef by trade, the meals served as a lifeline and a source of joy. Abby enjoys the quality and variety of the meals.

“Everything I’ve ever received from The Open Door has been great, like restaurant quality food coming to your door in time of need,” She says.

For Zoe*, 46, The Open Door kept her family afloat after she was suddenly laid off due to financial ramifications of the pandemic.

“It’s humbling to really sit back and be like, wow, I was so lucky for so long and didn’t even realize it.”~ Zoe*

She has two children living at home, in addition to herself and her husband, age 41. Her husband is unable to work due to a stroke he had in 2016. Zoe is the
family breadwinner.

“It’s everyday people that go to the food pantry. I lost my job. The Open Door was there to help.” ~ Zoe*

Today, Zoe’s in school full time, pursuing a degree to change her family’s future.

When life happens, The Open Door is the safety net for our neighbors, including Abby and Zoe.

Food for Future Generations

A new building project at The Open Door solidifies the nonprofit’s ability to continue to meet the local need for food resources—this year there has been a 28% increase in visits to its food pantries alone. The Food and Nutrition Center, finished just this fall, also allows The Open Door to take on new community partnerships to serve more local people and utilize more food rescue.

“When life happens, a healthy meal and a refrigerator stocked with nutritious food goes a long way,” says Julie LaFontaine, President and CEO. “With the right infrastructure in place thanks to the completion of the Food and Nutrition Center, we’ve hit the ground running—every department is working at full tilt to connect people to good food.”

Today the new commercial kitchen at The Open Door is producing more than 3,000 meals a week to serve its programs and partners—triple what the kitchen produced pre-pandemic. Over the summer, The Open Door kitchen also prepared approximately 16,000 additional meals in-house for its Summer Meals for Kids program.

The Open Door launched a new partnership with Pathways for Children to be the new meal partner for their Gloucester and Beverly sites.

On the horizon, The Open Door expects to relaunch its Senior Soup and Salad program to five days a week at the Rose Baker Senior Center in Gloucester as well.

“The Food and Nutrition Center has shown us what we’re capable of, with the right resources,” Director of Operations Jen Perry says. “We connect a lot of people, to a lot of good food—nearly 2 million pounds each year.”

Interested in partnering with The Open Door? From Food Pantries, to meals, to Mobile Markets, to nutrition workshops, to cooking demonstrations, and more, The Open Door has many programs to help local people.

Call us at 978-283-6776 or visit FOODPANTRY.org to learn more.

*Client names have been changed.

The post Life happens. we can help. appeared first on The Open Door.

The Open Door  
Julie LaFontaine, President and CEO  
28 Emerson Ave.,  
Gloucester, MA 01930  

 
Media Contact: Kelsey Richards 
Email: kelsey.richards@foodpantry.org 
Phone: 978-283-6776 x 226 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  
Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023 

The Open Door Thanksgiving Food Drive Collects 12,194 Pounds of Food 

GLOUCESTER— Thousands of shoppers donated hand-picked, shelf-stable goods at The Open Door Thanksgiving Food Drive on Saturday, collectively giving 12,194 pounds of food. 

“Our community always shines when given an opportunity to help its neighbors, and that was certainly true this weekend,” President and CEO Julie LaFontaine said. “With local need increasing, feeding local people is a big job, but together, we can get it done. Every little bit makes a difference for a family or senior struggling during the holidays.” 

Six local grocery stores served as collection sites for Saturday’s Thanksgiving Food Drive, including Market Basket at 101 Gloucester Crossing Road, Gloucester MA; Stop & Shop at 6 Thatcher Road, Gloucester MA; Shaw’s at 127 Eastern Avenue, Gloucester MA; Shaw’s at 146 High Street, Ipswich MA; Crosby’s Marketplace at 3 Summer Street, Manchester-by-the-Sea MA; and Market Basket at 231 Newburyport Turnpike, Rowley MA. 

Additional donations will continue to arrive at The Open Door over the next few weeks from businesses, churches, schools, and other groups who held individual food drives to benefit The Open Door as well. 

For the first time, Second Glance also held a clothing drive in conjunction with the food drive. No appointments were necessary on Saturday only at the store, where donations and sales raise revenue to support hunger-relief programs of The Open Door.  

Already in 2023, The Open Door has seen more than a 28% increase in visits to its food pantries over 2022. The nonprofit’s kitchen also prepares approximately 3,000 meals each week. 

Volunteers Distribute Hundreds of Turkeys  

An army of volunteers and staff distributed Thanksgiving Baskets on Saturday to a steady stream of people at The Open Door’s 28 Emerson Avenue facility. Each basket included a turkey and all the fixings, at no cost, for local people to make their Thanksgiving meals at home and carry on their family traditions this year. Gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan Holiday Basket options were also available.  

“Our operations team working with volunteers provides the magic that turns community donations into a festive meal basket for Thanksgiving,” said Director of Operations Jen Perry.  

Hundreds more Holiday Baskets will continue to be distributed Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday through The Open Door, by appointment. Holiday Baskets are still available and anyone who needs a little extra help can sign-up to pick theirs up at FOODPANTRY.org. People can also sign-up now for a Holiday Basket for the December holidays.  

The Open Door is prepared to provide 1,400 Holiday Baskets by close of business on Wednesday, Nov.22. 

Members of the community who wish to make a monetary donation to help feed local people through the holidays and beyond can do so at FOODPANTRY.org/donate.  

In addition to The Open Door’s robust Holiday Basket program, providing local people with a turkey and all the trimmings to make special meals at home, the nonprofit also opens its kitchen each year to the American Legion on Thanksgiving Day. The American Legion will prepare and distribute meals to-go on Thanksgiving Day for anyone who would like a prepared meal for the holiday.

About The Open Door  

The mission of The Open Door is to alleviate the impact of hunger in our community. We use practical strategies to connect people to good food, to advocate on behalf of those in need, and to engage others in the work of building food security. 

Founded in 1978, The Open Door is a 501 (c)(3) tax exempt non profit and community food resource center for low-income residents of Gloucester, Rockport, Manchester, Essex, Ipswich, Hamilton, Boxford, Rowley, Topsfield, and Wenham. In 2022, The Open Door helped stabilize the lives and health of 8,486 people from 4,872 households through the distribution of 1.78 million pounds of food. 

For more information, visit FOODPANTRY.org. 

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The Open Door  
Julie LaFontaine, President and CEO  
28 Emerson Ave.,  
Gloucester, MA 01930  

 
Media Contact: Kelsey Richards 
Email: kelsey.richards@foodpantry.org 
Phone: 978-283-6776 x 226 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  
Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023 

The Open Door Gears Up for Thanksgiving Food Drive

and Holiday Basket Program

GLOUCESTER— The Open Door Thanksgiving Food Drive will be held on Saturday, Nov. 18, along with the first day of distribution for its Holiday Basket program.

WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 18 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

WHERE: Participating locations include: •

• Market Basket at 101 Gloucester Crossing Road, Gloucester MA
• Stop & Shop at 6 Thatcher Road, Gloucester MA
• Shaw’s at 127 Eastern Avenue, Gloucester MA
• Shaw’s at 146 High Street, Ipswich MA
• Crosby’s Marketplace at 3 Summer Street, Manchester-by-the-Sea MA
• Market Basket at 231 Newburyport Turnpike, Rowley MA
• NEW THIS YEAR: Clothing Donation Drive at Second Glance at 2 Pond Road, Gloucester MA. No appointment needed, November 18 only. Clothing donations at Second Glance, Thrift Store of The Open Door, help raise revenue for local hunger-relief programs

WHAT: Each year, The Open Door Thanksgiving Food Drive sets up donation locations at area grocery stores, making it easier than ever for shoppers to pick-up items the food resource center is in need of most and donate.

“The Thanksgiving Food Drive is more than just a collection of food. It’s an act of kindness given by a community that cares,” President and CEO Julie LaFontaine said. “Donating an extra couple boxes of your favorite breakfast cereal, pancake mix, or a can of coffee is one tangible way to establish traditions of gratitude and show support for our neighbors not only at the holidays but in the tough winter months ahead.”

Instead of holiday fixings which have already been secured for the Thanksgiving Baskets, The Open Door is encouraging items of shelf-stable breakfast foods this year, including cereal, oatmeal, coffee, tea, maple syrup, pancake mix, waffle mix, 100% fruit juice, and granola bars. Donors are asked to please avoid donating anything in a glass container.

Already in 2023, The Open Door has seen more than a 28% increase in visits to its food pantries over 2022. The nonprofit’s kitchen also prepares approximately 3,000 meals each week.

The Open Door will also be accepting clothing donations only at its thrift store, Second Glance, with no appointment needed on Saturday, Nov. 18. Donations at Second Glance help raise revenue for hunger-relief programs of The Open Door.

Turkey for Every Table

Also on Saturday, Nov. 18, The Open Door kicks off its Holiday Basket program. Hundreds of local people will pick-up everything they need to make a special Thanksgiving meal at home, at no cost, at a drive-thru on Emerson Avenue. Holiday Baskets will continue to be distributed by The Open Door right up until the day before Thanksgiving. Holiday Baskets are also available for the December holidays.

Plenty of Holiday Baskets are available, with a turkey and all the fixings, and can be picked-up by appointment. Many pick-up slots are also available. Sign up today for a Holiday Basket for Thanksgiving and December at FOODPANTRY.org.

Members of the community who wish to make a monetary donation to help feed local people through the holidays and beyond can do so at FOODPANTRY.org/donate.

About The Open Door  

The mission of The Open Door is to alleviate the impact of hunger in our community. We use practical strategies to connect people to good food, to advocate on behalf of those in need, and to engage others in the work of building food security. 

Founded in 1978, The Open Door is a 501 (c)(3) tax exempt non profit and community food resource center for low-income residents of Gloucester, Rockport, Manchester, Essex, Ipswich, Hamilton, Boxford, Rowley, Topsfield, and Wenham. In 2022, The Open Door helped stabilize the lives and health of 8,486 people from 4,872 households through the distribution of 1.78 million pounds of food. 

For more information, visit FOODPANTRY.org. 

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The post The Open Door Gears Up for Thanksgiving Food Drive and Holiday Basket Program appeared first on The Open Door.

The Open Door  
Julie LaFontaine, President and CEO  
28 Emerson Ave.,  
Gloucester, MA 01930  

 
Media Contact: Kelsey Richards 
Email: kelsey.richards@foodpantry.org 
Phone: 978-283-6776 x 226 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  
Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023 

The Open Door Unveils Game-Changer Building Project

on Emerson Avenue 

GLOUCESTER— Hundreds of Cape Anners gathered at The Open Door on Saturday for a ribbon-cutting unveiling its new Food and Nutrition Center. 

“We built this project, together. The Food and Nutrition Center wouldn’t have been possible without the community here on the North Shore,” President and CEO Julie LaFontaine said. “It strengthens and expands the safety net for groceries, meals, nutrition, and more for our neighbors.” 

Those in attendance included Sen. Bruce Tarr, Rep. Ann-Margaret Ferrante, and Gloucester Mayor Greg Verga. 

“The amazing thing about The Open Door is the fact that it has constantly evolved to meet the needs of the community. Today is another example of that, as this new, incredible place opens,” Sen. Bruce Tarr said. “There’s a lot more stuff beyond kitchen appliances in there, there’s a community that cares. There’s a group of people at The Open Door that give us a chance to help our neighbors. There’s spirit that’s always uplifting, and always fulfilling.” 

“Today, from the bottom of my heart, thank you for all of the people you feed, for all of the people that you make feel special,” Rep. Ann-Margaret Ferrante said. “And thank you for the foresight to take it one step farther and realizing nutrition, not just food, but nutrition is a basic building block of who we are and what we can do.” 

The project includes a larger, modernized commercial kitchen with a double line, fulfillment center, food packing space, additional dry and cold storage for more food rescue, client meeting spaces, and more. As a result of the project, the nonprofit can sustainably continue to meet the need for food resources in the community, including a 28% increase in visits to its food pantries in 2023 over 2022.  

“I just want to thank all the volunteers, all the employees, everything you do every day for this organization,” Gloucester Mayor Greg Verga said. “COVID really shined a light on the need for it and today with inflation, there’s still a long way to go.” 

In the kitchen, the team is now preparing 3,000 meals each week, up from around 1,000 pre-pandemic. 

Those in attendance joined in a community ribbon-cutting, where long strands of orange ribbon were threaded through the crowd, and everyone invited to cut the ribbon with their individual pair of scissors. C$ommunity members were also asked to bring dirt from their homes to help plant two trees, to symbolize the role the community made to bring the Food and Nutrition Center into reality.  

After the ceremony, an open house was held at The Open Door, and members of the public toured the new space and learned more about The Open Door programs from staff. Food samples were provided by the kitchen and nutrition team.  

About The Open Door  

The mission of The Open Door is to alleviate the impact of hunger in our community. We use practical strategies to connect people to good food, to advocate on behalf of those in need, and to engage others in the work of building food security. 

Founded in 1978, The Open Door is a 501 (c)(3) tax exempt non profit and community food resource center for low-income residents of Gloucester, Rockport, Manchester, Essex, Ipswich, Hamilton, Boxford, Rowley, Topsfield, and Wenham. In 2022, The Open Door helped stabilize the lives and health of 8,486 people from 4,872 households through the distribution of 1.78 million pounds of food. 

For more information, visit FOODPANTRY.org. 

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Rich Weissman

One-in-three Massachusetts residents report running out of food or not having enough money to get more food every month, according to the findings of the latest annual report by the Greater Boston Food Bank. The report, which was based on a survey of 3,000 adults from across the state, finds that approximately 1.8 million adults in Massachusetts experienced food insecurity in 2022.

Additionally, the report found that food insecurity rates among households with children was 32% in Eastern Massachusetts. More than half of those experiencing food insecurity, 51%, sought help from a food pantry in 2022, an increase from 46% in 2021.

Food insecurity is more than missing meals: it has far-reaching consequences that affect every aspect of a person’s life. Those who are food insecure often experience:

Health Issues: Insufficient access to nutritious food can lead to malnutrition, chronic health conditions, and weakened immune systems. Food insecurity leads to inadequate or unbalanced diets, often high in cheap nutrient-poor foods. This can result a range of diet-related health problems.

Child Development Problems: Food insecurity can impair the physical and cognitive development of children. Hungry children often perform poorly in school, struggle to focus, and may face long-term developmental issues.

Emotional and Psychological Pressures: The stress of not knowing where one’s next meal will come from can lead to anxiety, depression, and constant worry.

Economic Uncertainly: Families struggling with food insecurity may have to make choices between buying food and paying for other necessities like housing, utilities, or medical bills. These difficult choices can overwhelm already tight budgets.

Food insecurity is not just about a lack of food; it’s a complex issue with wide-ranging social, economic, health, and educational implications. Addressing food insecurity is crucial not only for the well-being of those directly affected but for the overall health and stability of our community.

The post Tackling Food Insecurity appeared first on The Open Door.

The Open Door  
Julie LaFontaine, President and CEO  
28 Emerson Ave.,  
Gloucester, MA 01930  

 
Media Contact: Kelsey Richards 
Email: kelsey.richards@foodpantry.org 
Phone: 978-283-6776 x 226 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  
Thursday, Oct. 26, 2023 

Second Glance to Hold Trailblazing Women Printmakers Book Signing and Folly Cove Auction  

GLOUCESTER— Second Glance, Thrift Store of The Open Door, will hold a book signing featuring Elena M. Sarni, author of “Trailblazing Women Printmakers: Virginia Lee Burton Demetrios and The Folly Cove Designers,” and an auction for three Folly Cove pieces this November.  

WHEN: Thursday, Nov. 9 from 6-8 p.m.  

WHERE: SG Home at Second Glance, 2 Pond Road, Gloucester MA 01930 

WHAT: Folly Cove enthusiasts and collectors are invited to a special event at Second Glance this November, featuring author Elena M. Sarni. Sarni will share a presentation from her newest book “Trailblazing Women Printmakers: Virginia Lee Burton Demetrios and The Folly Cove Designers,” followed by a book signing.  

Tickets are available for $10 each at bit.ly/follycoveticket. 

Second Glance is also holding an online auction for three Folly Cove pieces donated to the store. The auction launched on Thursday, Oct. 26 at bit.ly/follycoveatsg and will remain live through the event. The auction will close one week after the event, on Thursday, Nov. 16. 

Additional framed Folly Cove designs, on loan from a collector and not for sale, will also be on display for the event. Second Glance Thrift Store will remain open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 9 only in conjunction with the event.  

Light refreshments will also be available. 

“We’re thrilled to partner with Elena to highlight her work and celebrate the Folly Cove Designers who made their mark on local art history,” President and CEO Julie LaFontaine said. “Our team at Second Glance regularly discovers donations of Folly Cove designs, which speaks to the generosity of our community. By gifting these items, donors not only support our mission to alleviate the impact of hunger, but also recognize the expertise of our team at Second Glance in handling valuable art and collectibles. 

“I am thrilled to support The Open Door and its vital work in the community,” Sarni said. “I’m very grateful to its staff members, many of whom are collectors of The Folly Cove Designers’ work, for their efforts to safeguard the legacy of The Folly Cove Designers through the interest and care they take in these treasured pieces of Cape Ann history.” 

Who were the Folly Cove Designers? 

The Folly Cove Designers (officially 1941-1969) was a grassroots collective of predominantly women block printers founded by Caldecott Award-winner and beloved children’s book author/illustrator Virginia Lee Burton Demetrios (of Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel fame).  

This trailblazing Gloucester, MA-based group produced more than three hundred distinct designs, which they block printed on fabric. The designs conveyed personal and regional narratives through the use of shared design principles and the compelling language of pattern. The group was propelled to international fame through commercial contracts with major retailers (F. Schumacher, Lord & Taylor, etc.), articles in leading periodicals such as Life, and participation in seminal fine craft exhibitions. Their work continues to inspire contemporary printmakers around the globe, particularly women printmakers. 

About The Open Door  

The mission of The Open Door is to alleviate the impact of hunger in our community. We use practical strategies to connect people to good food, to advocate on behalf of those in need, and to engage others in the work of building food security. 

Founded in 1978, The Open Door is a 501 (c)(3) tax exempt nonprofit and community food resource center for low-income residents of Gloucester, Rockport, Manchester, Essex, Ipswich, Hamilton, Boxford, Rowley, Topsfield, and Wenham. In 2022, The Open Door helped stabilize the lives and health of 8,486 people from 4,872 households through the distribution of 1.78 million pounds of food. 

For more information, visit FOODPANTRY.org. 

About Elena Sarni and Trailblazing Women Printmakers 

Elena M. Sarni is a humanities-based scholar, writer, and curator. She holds a BA in English and an MA in History and Museum Studies from the University of New Hampshire. She lives in Maine with her beloved cat Leland. 

As the first comprehensive history of the Folly Cove Designers, Trailblazing Women Printmakers: Virginia Lee Burton Demetrios and The Folly Cove Designers documents and celebrates the group’s tremendous success and the incredible artistry of its members. With more than 250 black-and-white and color photographs, author Elena M. Sarni explores the Folly Cove Designers’ history, work, and group dynamics. 

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The Open Door  
Julie LaFontaine, President and CEO  
28 Emerson Ave.,  
Gloucester, MA 01930  

 
Media Contact: Kelsey Richards 
Email: kelsey.richards@foodpantry.org 
Phone: 978-283-6776 x 226 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  
Thursday, Oct. 26, 2023 

the open door to hold ribbon cutting for food and nutrition center

All Invited to View New Kitchen and More

GLOUCESTER— The Open Door will hold a ribbon cutting this November for its new Food and Nutrition Center. 

WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 4 at 10 a.m. 

WHERE: The Open Door at 28 Emerson Ave, Gloucester MA 01930 

WHAT: The Open Door invites the community to attend a ribbon cutting for its new Food and Nutrition Center. All are welcome, and encouraged to RSVP at bit.ly/TheOpenDoorRSVP. 

“The new Food and Nutrition Center is a huge win for Cape Ann, and a testament to what our community is capable of when we work together,” President and CEO Julie LaFontaine said. “It is with great joy, we invite everyone to join us and celebrate the completion of a project that will support the health and well-being of the community.” 

As part of the flagship christening celebration, The Open Door will plant a tree symbolizing the contributions of the community to make the building project a reality. Attendees are encouraged to bring a small bag of soil from their own backyard to add into the planter.  

The project includes a larger, modernized kitchen with a double line, fulfillment center, food packing space, additional dry and cold storage, client meeting spaces, and more. The Open Door has also updated and reconfigured other areas of the building to maximize space.  

The $4.4 million capital campaign project was supported by the community including philanthropic foundations, many private donors, along with some public funding including 2022 Community Project Funding secured by U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton, D-Salem; federal Community Development Block Grant funding from the city. 

The organization is still seeking to raise $250,000 to close the capital campaign, and cover costs of the project. (To inquire about making a donation, email development@foodpantry.org.) 

About The Open Door  

The mission of The Open Door is to alleviate the impact of hunger in our community. We use practical strategies to connect people to good food, to advocate on behalf of those in need, and to engage others in the work of building food security. 

Founded in 1978, The Open Door is a 501 (c)(3) tax exempt nonprofit and community food resource center for low-income residents of Gloucester, Rockport, Manchester, Essex, Ipswich, Hamilton, Boxford, Rowley, Topsfield, and Wenham. In 2022, The Open Door helped stabilize the lives and health of 8,486 people from 4,872 households through the distribution of 1.78 million pounds of food. 

For more information, visit FOODPANTRY.org. 

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Want to spice things up? Our nutrition team has put together a collection of healthy, easy lunch ideas for all ages: 

• Repurpose leftovers: leftovers from dinner make great lunches the next day! Round out the lunch as needed with a fruit or vegetable, and maybe a little treat. For example: Taco night leftovers served over rice makes a tasty burrito bowl, or pair a serving of casserole with a handful of no-prep vegetables such as grape tomatoes, baby carrots, or snap peas. 

• Charcuterie for One: The simplicity of cheese and crackers appeals to all ages, and when paired with fruits and vegetables the result is a balanced meal. Pair whole grain crackers with slices of cheese, as well as carrot sticks or mini peppers, and grapes or apple slices.  
• Breakfast for Lunch: Many breakfast staples make great lunches! Try pancakes, waffles, or French toast, paired with eggs or yogurt, and some fruit! 
• Salad in a Jar: In a wide-mouthed lidded quart container add 2 Tbsp. of salad dressing. Fill ¼ of the jar with layers of chopped veggies, add ½ cup each of protein and a cooked grain or other starch (rice, quinoa, pasta), then fill the rest with lettuce or other leafy greens. To serve, invert and shake to distribute the dressing, then remove the lid and transfer to a large bowl, or eat straight from the jar.  
• Mix-and-match: use the following formula for a well-rounded lunch every time: add a protein, grain or starch, and veggies and/or fruit. For example: Hummus, veggie sticks, pita triangles (or pretzels), and raisins; Tuna/egg/chicken salad, crackers, and a clementine; or Pasta salad, deli meat roll-ups, and an apple or applesauce cup .

Meal prep for many: when you’re the one preparing lunches to-go for the whole household, it can be tricky to put together meals that everyone likes. Here are a few tips for success: 

• Make it a family activity! Bringing everyone together is a great way to spend quality time and also give your family ownership over their lunch.  
• Avoid packing new foods, especially for children. Try potential lunch foods at home first to make sure your family likes it and knows how to eat it.  
• Getting input from your household when you’re planning grocery lists can go a long way to make sure there is nothing left uneaten in your lunchboxes! 
• Consider partially opening packaged foods, like cheese sticks, so that it’s easy for your child to open them without the help of a teacher.  

We hope these ideas help you “think outside the sandwich!” Stay tuned and follow us on Facebook and Instagram @theopendoorma for more recipes, tips, and the latest news from The Open Door! 

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The post Upgrade your lunch recipes with help from The Open Door  appeared first on The Open Door.

The Open Door  
Julie LaFontaine, President and CEO  
28 Emerson Ave.,  
Gloucester, MA 01930  

 
Media Contact: Kelsey Richards 
Email: kelsey.richards@foodpantry.org 
Phone: 978-283-6776 x 226 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  
Friday, Sept. 1, 2023 

Help The Open Door “Paint the Town Orange” this September for Hunger Awareness

CAPE ANN – The Open Door will “paint the town orange” for Hunger Action Month this September to raise awareness about the reality of food insecurity, right here in the communities where we live, work, and play. 

Hunger Action Month is an annual, nationwide campaign by the Feeding America network to raise awareness and encourage action to reduce food insecurity. This year, Hunger Action Day is being recognized on Friday, Sept. 15. Orange is the color used to spread hunger awareness.  

“Hunger Action Month is rooted in community coming together, and that’s never been truer than it is this year,” President and CEO Julie LaFontaine said. “When life happens The Open Door is here to help, and that’s possible because of everyone who steps up to donate, volunteer, advocate, and do their part to help our neighbors.” 

The Open Door has already seen a 28% increase in visits to its Food Pantries alone in 2023, and a 20% increase in people visiting its pantries. This means more people are getting their groceries from The Open Door, more often. 

Interested in supporting local hunger-relief programs at The Open Door and raising hunger awareness this month? Learn more below about the opportunities in your community to participate: 

• Donate to support programs of The Open Door at FOODPANTRY.org. 
• Volunteer with The Open Door! Packing groceries, delivering meals, sorting food or sorting donations at Second Glance, and corporate engagement opportunities are just a few of the many roles available to volunteers. Learn more at FOODPANTRY.org/volunteer. 
• Order a tasty “orange” treat at a local eatery. A handful of local restaurants have volunteered to help spread hunger awareness this month, including: 

• 1606 Restaurant & Oyster Bar will offer mango and blood orange sorbet, and a Naranja Nights cocktail.  
• QR codes for donations will also be available, and patrons may also round up their bill to support hunger-relief programs of The Open Door this September. 
• Brother’s Brew (reopening Sept. 14) will offer a special Hunger Action Month donut. 

• Cake Ann will offer special Hunger Action Month cupcakes. 
• Duckworth’s Gloucester will provide a special Hunger Action Month menu item. 
• Holy Cow will offer a Hunger Action Month ice-cream flavor starting on Hunger Action Day Friday Sept. 15 through the rest of the month at its Gloucester location. 
• Seaport Grille will offer a pumpkin cheesecake and creamsicle margarita. 
• QR codes for donations will also be available, and patrons may also round up their bill to support hunger-relief programs of The Open Door this September. 
• Turtle Alley will offer chocolate bars with the word “LOVE” embossed on them, wrapped in cellophane with an orange ribbon.  

• Shop at a special, orange-themed shopping event at Second Glance, Thrift Store of The Open Door on Wednesday, Sept. 13. Proceeds at the store support hunger-relief programs of The Open Door.  
• Borrow a book from a special Hunger Action Month display at one of the following libraries: Sawyer Free Library in Gloucester, Manchester-by-the-Sea Public Library, T.O.H.P. Burnham Library in Essex, Hamilton-Wenham Public Library, and Boxford Town Library. 
• Wear orange. Join a handful of community groups who will be sporting orange this September to raise awareness, including the Gloucester City Council at their Tuesday, Sept. 12 meeting, Gloucester Police Department Community Impact Unit, CORE Peer Recovery & Resource Center, Beauport Hospitality Group staff, and Sudbay Automotive Group team members. 
• See Gloucester City Hall and the Beauport Hotel lit up with orange lights. 
• Commuters: keep an eye out on Rt. 128 for a special Hunger Action Month banner at Sudbay Automotive coming soon. 

Gloucester Mayor Greg Verga will issue a proclamation naming September Hunger Action Month on Hunger Action Day Friday, Sept.15. The Gloucester City Council will also issue a proclamation at its Tuesday Sept. 12 meeting naming September Hunger Action Month. 

Learn more about Hunger Action Month at FOODPANTRY.org.  

About The Open Door  

The mission of The Open Door is to alleviate the impact of hunger in our community. We use practical strategies to connect people to good food, to advocate on behalf of those in need, and to engage others in the work of building food security. 

Founded in 1978, The Open Door is a 501 (c)(3) tax exempt nonprofit and community food resource center for low-income residents of Gloucester, Rockport, Manchester, Essex, Ipswich, Hamilton, Boxford, Rowley, Topsfield, and Wenham. In 2022, The Open Door helped stabilize the lives and health of 8,486 people from 4,872 households through the distribution of 1.78 million pounds of food. 

For more information, visit FOODPANTRY.org. 

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Media Contact: Kelsey Richards 
Email: kelsey.richards@foodpantry.org 
Phone: 978-283-6776 x 226 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  
Thursday, July 20, 2023 

State Awards The Open Door $333,729 for

Food Lockers, Refrigerated Box Truck

CHICOPEE– The Open Door will receive $333,729 in state Food Security Infrastructure Grant funds, the Healey-Driscoll Administration announced today.  

The funds will purchase refrigerated food lockers that will expand The Open Door’s ability to distribute groceries to people beyond the nonprofit’s current business hours and on weekends. Funds will also purchase a refrigerated box truck the nonprofit will use to pick-up produce, meat, and dairy products. 

“If you work a nine to five, are a full-time caregiver, or maybe work multiple part-time jobs, you may not have the flexibility to pick-up your groceries during the day. Refrigerated food lockers make it easier for people facing hard times to get the food they need after work or during the weekend, on their schedule,” President and CEO Julie LaFontaine said. “We’re deeply thankful for the state’s support strengthening the pipeline for food access in our communities.” 

The new refrigerated box truck will meet the Greater Boston Food Bank’s loading dock requirements to ensure The Open Door can pick up food available at the food bank and also beef up The Open Door’s Food Rescue, to access more local food. 

In all,165 projects were awarded funding on Thursday, strengthening the pipeline for food security in Massachusetts. The grants will support the efforts of hunger-relief nonprofits, farmers, the fishing industry, small businesses, schools, and more.   

“In speaking to farmers over the past week, it’s clear that they need support now more than ever after being hit hard by extreme weather events from flooding to drought to late frost,” said Gov. Maura Healey. “Our farmers are the backbone of Massachusetts’ food infrastructure, and it’s critical that we continue to make short and long-term investments through grants like these to help strengthen resiliency and enhance mitigation efforts.”  

“Our food system is highly localized. It is important to build a food network that nourishes our communities and sustains businesses and workers,” said Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll. “With the recent flooding, more Massachusetts communities are experiencing food insecurity, making it even more imperative that we ensure food producers are given the resources they need to meet increased demand while also providing healthy food to residents.” 

In 2022, The Open Door helped stabilize the lives and health of 8,486 people from 4,872 households through the distribution of 1.78 million pounds of food.

About The Open Door  

The mission of The Open Door is to alleviate the impact of hunger in our community. We use practical strategies to connect people to good food, to advocate on behalf of those in need, and to engage others in the work of building food security. 

Founded in 1978, The Open Door is a 501 (c)(3) tax exempt nonprofit and community food resource center for low-income residents of Gloucester, Rockport, Manchester, Essex, Ipswich, Hamilton, Boxford, Rowley, Topsfield, and Wenham. In 2022, The Open Door helped stabilize the lives and health of 8,486 people from 4,872 households through the distribution of 1.78 million pounds of food. 

For more information, visit FOODPANTRY.org. 

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