The mission of The Open Door is to alleviate the impact of hunger in our community. We us 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.
Programs include Food Pantries, Community Meals (in-person and to-go), Mobile Markets, SNAP (formerly known as Food Stamps) application assistance, Summer Meals for Kids, Holiday Meal Baskets, Advocacy, Medically Tailored Groceries, Nutrition Education and Workshops, Healthy Choice Easy Choice, Food Rescue, and its thrift store.
Food Pantry is a full choice pantry open Monday through Friday with daytime and evening hours. We also have refrigerated food lockers available for those unable to get to us during business hours. Learn more by calling 978-283-6776 or visit FOODPANTRY.org
Please visit FOODPANTRY.org for more information. Life Happens, We Can Help!
ProducePedia
ProducePedia is a free resource that covers the types of fresh produce that can be delivered to food pantries. Each entry includes information on color, taste, and possible uses. People unfamiliar with the vegetable or fruit will learn how to use it, and those who are familiar with it still might learn a fun fact or two!
The Cooperative Extension sites have a wealth of information for any backyard gardener. Once you go to the site (each one if very different from the others) look for a link for “homes and gardens”, “landscape”, “consumer horticulture”, etc. to find information on improving your backyard garden. Neighboring state sites may offer information your own state’s site lacks.
