The Open Door Empty Bowl Fundraiser, Auction Arrive at Critical Hour for Food Security 

GLOUCESTER – At a time when local people need help putting food on the table more than ever amid inflation and looming cuts to social services agencies, The Open Door Empty Bowl Enchanted Forest Fundraiser and Online Artists Bowls Auction offer one way to help.  

Empty Bowl Enchanted Forest will be held on Thursday, May 1 from 4-7 p.m. at Cruiseport Gloucester. Pay-what-you-can tickets and the Online Artists Bowls Auction are available at FOODPANTRY.org. The annual fundraiser supports The Open Door summer hunger-relief programs including Summer Meals for Kids, Mobile Market, and Food Pantries.  

“As we prepare for significant cuts to the federal safety net, more children are at risk of going hungry, especially during the months they are not in school,” said Julie LaFontaine, President and CEO. “We invite the community to join us for an event to remember what we hold in common and to raise critical funds for our summer programs including Summer Meals, Mobile Market, and Food Pantries.”   

The Greater Boston Food Bank estimates that, without state intervention, proposed federal cuts and changes to SNAP, TEFAP (USDA), and school meals will lead to a 77% increase in demand at local food pantries like The Open Door.  

This comes at a time when The Open Door is serving more people than ever, already.  

Last year, The Open Door distributed 2.35 million pounds of food to 11,893 people through its Food Pantries. The nonprofit met a 30% increase in requests for food assistance in 2024, through 100,774 visits.  

The Open Door distributed more than 18,000 breakfast and lunch meals to local children during the summer of 2024. The nonprofit also distributed more than 169,000 pounds of food through its Mobile Market. 

“Empty Bowl is a special fundraiser, because it gives everyone a chance to help, no matter our circumstances. Pay-what-you-can tickets means anyone attend and help feed local people, in addition to dozens of volunteer opportunities,” Director of Advocacy and Development Sarah Grow said.  

Attendees of Empty Bowl Enchanted Forest will choose a bowl hand-painted by a member of the community, soup to-go, cookie, roll, fruit, and water. A soup tasting will also allow participants to try a handful of soups prepared by The Open Door kitchen. Additional soups will be available to-go by a handful of local restaurants, caterers, and eateries.  

The artists’ bowls will be available to view at Empty Bowl Enchanted Forest, and a select few are featured at Cape Ann Savings Bank on Main Street in Gloucester leading up to the event. The online artists’ bowls auction features bowls painted by numerous, talented local artists. 

To learn more about The Open Door, visit 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, Wenham, and Georgetown. In 2024, The Open Door distributed 2.35 million pounds of food to 11,893 people through its Food Pantries. The nonprofit met a 30% increase in requests for food assistance in 2024,  through 100,774 visits. 

For more information, visit FOODPANTRY.org. 

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