Want to help feed local people this summer? The Open Door Empty Bowl Enchanted Forest and Online Artists’ Bowls Auction, which benefit summer hunger-relief programs, offer a way for anyone to donate or volunteer.

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. 

With inflation and looming cuts to social services agencies, the fundraiser comes at a critical moment for food security.

“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.  

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. 

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