Our Story
OUR MISSION
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.
Our Impact
You made a difference in 2023!
Our Team
President & CEO
Julie Hazen LaFontaine
978-283-6776 ext. 200
Communications Manager
Kelsey Richards
978-283-6776 ext. 226
Food Acquisition and Distribution Manager
Gary Sprague
978-283-6776 ext. 207
Board of Directors
Chris Barker, Chair
Tracy Davis, Vice Chair
Dennis Doolin, Treasurer
Irene Josephson, Clerk
Jason Andree, Director
Tom Cronin, Director
German Disla, Director
Rebecca Fortado, Director
Vicki Godfrey, Director
Kerry McKenna, Director
Brandon Pratt, Director
ANNUAL FACT SHEETS
OUR GROWTH
Feeding people and changing lives for four decades.
Food Pantry Forms
Cape Ann Food “Bank” forms with leadership from Action Inc., Rockport Congregational Church, and Cape Ann Interfaith Commission.
The Open Door Forms
The Open Door, a Place of Hospitality Inc. forms under the leadership of Wellspring House Inc.
The Open Door Joins the Greater Boston Food Bank
Our partnership with GBDB allows us to receive and distribute USDA Commodities.
The Open Door merges with Cape Ann Food “Bank.”
We Move to 28 Emerson Avenue in Gloucester
Our new home allowed us to expand our pantry operations and begin planning to offer on-site meals.
The Open Door HOLDS ITS First Empty Bowl Dinner
Summer lunch program launches at Riverdale Park and Willowood Gardens
Holiday Meal Basket program Launches
Formerly Turkey Dinner Baskets, we offer baskets for Thanksgiving and Holiday meals.
Summer Meals for Kids Launches
Program grows to meet need from 2 to 21 sites to provide free meals to children (18 and under) during the 10 weeks of summer vacation.
SNAP Advocacy Assistance Begins
We begin offering Food Stamp (SNAP) application and advocacy assistance. In 2017 we earned a 95% approval rating from Department of Transitional Assistance.
Job Training program and community service program formalizes.
Second Glance relocates to present address at 2 Pond Road
Food Rescue Program formalized
Mobile market Launches
Mobile Market, a free farmers’ market for low-income households, launches at Riverdale Park.
Mobile Market Opens new site at Willowood Gardens
Mobile Market GROWS to meet needs
Mobile Market adds 9 new sites between 2007 and 2015, including schools, senior centers, and a 2-year temporary site for homeless families living in motels on the North Shore.
Food Pantry purchases 28 Emerson from Wellspring House Inc.
Nutrition Department expands with Garden Project, cooking classes and Taste Tests. Prescription Food Bag launches with Addison Gilbert Hospital.
Good Food Box Launches
Now called Maridee’s Good Food Box, this program helps vulnerable populations better manage health conditions and diet.
The Open Door Launches Three New Programs
Nutrition guidelines and training for volunteer catering groups;
Fruit & Vegetable Campaign launches with gluten-free products;
PowerSnack, an after-school supper program.
Second Glance Expands
This expansion included retail, processing areas, Furniture Annex and our donation center.
Family Supper opens on Tuesday nights.
Pantry Operations Expand
2,000 square foot warehouse expansion and Gloucester Pantry reconfiguration for Client-Directed Trauma-Informed Care service.
Ipswich Pantry Services Launch
All volunteer Ipswich Food Pantry merges with The Open Door and forms our new satellite Ipswich Community Food Pantry at Agawam Village to expand service area from 5 to 10 communities.
More Services Added for Families in Need
We added diaper bank and a menstrual hygiene products in partnerhip with Period Partners.
The Open Door Continues to add new Services
Mobile Market opened two new school sites at North Shore Community College in Danvers and Winthrop Elementary School in Ipswich.
The On Your Mark! Workforce development program for young adults (ages 16-21) launches.
We hired our first Registered Dietitian to expand health and nutrition, offers nutrition counseling and workshops.