The Open Door
The Open Door serves over 15,000 Dakota County residents monthly, distributing more than 3 million pounds of food annually through various programs including a fixed-site pantry, Mobile Pantry, Mobile Lunch Box, and Garden To Table.
Services
The Open Door offers a comprehensive range of food support services to residents of Dakota County. It operates a fixed-site food pantry in Eagan, several Mobile Pantry sites, the Mobile Lunch Box program, and the Garden To Table program. Its fixed-site pantry provides dairy, meat, poultry, fish, breads, fruits, vegetables, and non-perishables. The Mobile Pantry travels to various sites within the county on a set schedule, reducing transportation barriers. The Mobile Lunch Box delivers healthy free lunches to neighborhoods during the summer, ensuring children have access to nutritious meals. Additionally, the Garden To Table program provides garden plots, seeds, plants, and tools at no cost, encouraging clients to grow their own food.
Annual Food Distribution
The Open Door distributes over 3 million pounds of food annually, with 70% of it being fresh and perishable items. This includes milk, eggs, dairy, meats, breads, fruits, and vegetables, along with a variety of non-perishables. The organization's extensive distribution network ensures that food reaches over 15,000 Dakota County residents each month. By focusing on fresh and perishable foods, The Open Door promotes healthier eating habits and caters to the nutritional needs of the community.
Initiatives and Programs
Several key initiatives and programs form the backbone of The Open Door's services. The Garden To Table program provides more than 350 garden plots across 13 sites, allowing clients to grow their own food. The Mobile Lunch Box program delivered nearly 25,000 meals and 11,000 snack packs in 2023 across 5 Dakota County School Districts. The Mobile Pantry sets up 30+ off-site food distributions monthly to reach more residents. Free community meals are offered at various locations in the county. The Grow Hope program allows monthly supporters to contribute, providing reliable funding for ongoing innovative programming.
Events
The Open Door organizes multiple events throughout the year to support their mission. The annual 5K Race and Fun Walk raises funds to provide fresh and healthy food options. The 'Party for the Pantry' event features a dinner, live gameshow, and auction, contributing to hunger relief efforts. In 2024, the 'Super Bagging' event successfully raised $51,123. Another significant campaign, the March Campaign, aims to collect $200,000 and 200,000 pounds of food through community drives, food rescue, and individual donations. These events not only raise crucial funds but also engage the community in their cause.
Volunteer Opportunities
The Open Door offers numerous volunteer opportunities for individuals and groups interested in contributing to their mission. Volunteers can assist at the Eagan Pantry or at various Mobile Pantry sites. These roles can involve organizing and distributing food, assisting with events, or helping in the garden plots. By engaging volunteers, The Open Door strengthens community involvement and support, ensuring they can continue to provide essential services to Dakota County residents.