The Open Door Meets Profound Increase in Need 

GLOUCESTER – The Open Door met a significant increase in need for food resources in 2024 and continues to grow its capacity to meet that need in 2025. 

For the second year in a row, The Open Door met a 30% increase in requests for food assistance in 2024. Last year, The Open Door served 11,893 people (up from 9,836 in 2023, an extra 2,057 people) with 2.35 million pounds of food (up from 1.98 million pounds in 2023).  

“We all see how much groceries cost when we shop and we know the cost of living has also increased profoundly. For our neighbors, our colleagues, our friends and family, our community members living on the edge, it’s devastating. People need help getting food to meet their basic needs,” Director of Advocacy and Development Sarah Grow said.  

In addition to offering more grocery pick-up appointments in 2024, The Open Door increased operating hours, added more volunteer shifts to support an increased volume of food distribution, hired staff, installed refrigerated food lockers so folks can pick up food after-hours, resumed in-person dining, and reopened its Corner Market.  

The Open Door is closely monitoring need locally and is strategically prepared to pivot to offer more support should the cost of food continue to rise and/or as federal funding allocations may change for programs that impact clients like SNAP (formerly known as Food Stamps). 

“We don’t know what the future holds in terms of inflation and possible changes to federal funding, but we do know one thing: our doors are open. You don’t have to choose between food and other necessities like medicine or rent. Come to The Open Door for free, nutritious groceries and meals,” Director of Operations Jen Perry said.  

To make a donation, visit FOODPANTRY.org/donate. 

Help is Available: Don’t Wait  

For those who do need a little extra help, The Open Door is here and accepting new clients. While the nonprofit is busy, there continues to be plenty of healthy, nutritious food available. 

“Don’t wait to get free groceries and meals if you need a little extra help—it’s easy and we have high quality and nutritious food you’ll love. Let food be one less thing to worry about,” Director of Advocacy and Development Sarah Grow said.  

Life happens, and The Open Door can help. To apply for an online shopping profile through The Open Door online ordering system, visit FOODPANTRY.org/newshopper.  

The Open Door can also provide free meals to-go, meals in-person, help navigating the SNAP application process, Medically Tailored Groceries, and much more.  

Questions? Call 978-283-6776 or visit FOODPANTRY.org. 

Need food now? No problem. Visit The Open Door during business hours for an emergency 3-5 day supply of basic groceries (protein, eggs, milk, and dry goods). Food also available for those without access to a kitchen.  

Business hours at The Open Door Gloucester Food Pantry (28 Emerson Avenue) are: 

• Monday from 9:45am to 5 p.m. 

• Tuesday-Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

• Thursday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

• Extra meals available to-go on Fridays 

• Refrigerated food lockers are also available for grocery orders after-hours. Call 978-283-6776 or visit FOODPANTRY.org to learn more. 

Business hours at The Open Door Ipswich Community Food Pantry (00 Southern Heights, Ipswich MA) include: 

• Wednesday-Thursday from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Refrigerated food lockers are also available for grocery orders after-hours. Call 978-283-6776 or visit FOODPANTRY.org to learn more. 

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 helped stabilize the lives and health of 11,893 people from 5,320 households through the distribution of 2.35 million pounds of food. 

For more information, visit FOODPANTRY.org. 

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