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, 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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