food

Help The Open Door Raise Hunger Awareness this September

~ todtheopendoor

September is Hunger Action Month™, an annual, nationwide campaign by the Feeding America network to raise awareness and encourage action to reduce food insecurity.  

The Open Door has partnered with several groups to raise awareness about hunger, and share information on how to help support its mission.

The Open Door distributed 2.35 million pounds of food to 11,893 people through its Food Pantries in 2024, meeting a 30% increase in requests for food assistance in 2024 (on top of a 30% increase in 2023), through 100,774 visits. 

Since August 2024, in addition to clients already receiving services, The Open Door has registered 820 new households for services at its Gloucester and Ipswich food pantry locations: An average of 68 new families per month.

HUNGER ACTION MONTH EVENTS:

The Open Door has partnered with several local organizations to raise hunger-awareness this September: 

  • Gloucester Mayor Greg Verga will issue a proclamation naming September Hunger Action Month in the city on Friday, September 12 
  • Thrift the Runway, a fashion show organized by The Open Door Thrift Store, Second Glance, will raise funds for local food assistance programs of the nonprofit on Sunday, September 14 at The Cut in Gloucester. Tickets are available at FOODPANTRY.org 
  • View Gloucester City Hall and the Beauport Hotel lit up orange all month long (orange is the color used to promote hunger awareness) 
  • Watch out for Hunger Action Month themed coasters at 1606 Restaurant & Oyster Bar and the Seaport Grille 
  • Several local businesses are offering special promotions and products this month to raise awareness, including: 
  • Brothers Brew in Rockport will offer an orange themed donut  
  • Cake Ann will offer chocolate orange and creamsicle flavored cupcakes  
  • Turtle Alley will offer chocolate bars embossed with the word “LOVE”  
  • A portion of proceeds will support local hunger-relief programs of The Open Door! 
  • The Gloucester City Council will also wear orange to help raise awareness at their Tuesday, Sept. 9 meeting. 
  • SHOP and DONATE at Second Glance year-round. Revenue at the store raises funds for hunger-relief programs of The Open Door. Free referrals are also given to the community for those who need a little extra help. 

MORE WAYS TO HELP:

  • Donations are the most needed form of support as The Open Door doubles down on core programs and strategizes how to best meet increased need with fewer federal resources available. Donations big and small help move the needle, and can be made as one-time gifts, monthly donations, or annual contributions. Make a donation at FOODPANTRY.org. There are a variety of ways to make a donation, including: 
  • Company matches: many companies will also match donations made by their employees—doubling the impact of your gift. Ask your employer today if such a program exists at your workplace. 
  • Donate through a Donor Advised Fund (DAF), Individual Retirement Rollover Gifts, and stocks and securities. 
  • Legacy giving 
  • Sponsor a meal 
  • Donations to Second Glance Thrift Store (make an appointment at FOODPANTRY.org/booknow). Items sold at the store create revenue for The Open Door 
  • In kind goods and services also support The Open Door mission 
  • Volunteers are another critical pillar of help at The Open Door, and provided 26,260 hours of support in 2024. There are a wide range of volunteer opportunities, from packing groceries, to sorting food, to supporting the kitchen, and tagging products for sale at Second Glance. Learn more at FOODPANTRY.org/volunteer 

Members of the community are also invited to wear orange to raise awareness about local food insecurity this September. 

Sawyer Free Library Grand Reopening Celebrations 🎉

~ Sawyer Free Library

🎉 Please join us in celebrating the grand reopening of the newly renovated and expanded Sawyer Free Library — an inspiring, inclusive space created for our whole community. 🎉 
 
Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony
Friday, September 5 | 3:00 PM
Celebrate the official opening of your newly transformed Sawyer Free Library!
Remarks | Ceremonial Ribbon Cutting | Refreshments Performance by Cape Ann Youth Chorus  
Open to All | Rain or Shine

Community Celebration & Open House
“A Library for Everyone”
Saturday, September 6 | 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Free and Open to All 

Come tour the new library spaces at 2 Dale Avenue and enjoy music, activities for all ages, and more! 

Saturday Event Highlights:

Library Card World Record Attempt
Help us break the record for most sign-ups in a single day! All new and renewing cardholders
receive a limited-edition commemorative library card.

Library Passport Adventure 
Explore the new Library and collect stamps and win prizes.

Special Guests & Giveaways
• Wally the Green Monster from the Red Sox (12–1 PM)
• Enter to win a signed 2025 Boston Bruins jersey

Art, History & Design Events
• Artist Talk: Leslie Bartlett on the Library’s Cape Ann Quarries mural (10:30 AM)
• Expert Talk: GreenScapes in Focus with landscape architect Lisa Giersbach (1:00 PM)
• Timeline Cape Ann: Sawyer Free Library by Kory Curcuru of 1623 Studios documentary screening (12 & 2:30 PM)
• Inaugural Art Exhibition in Matz Gallery 
• Zine-making and collaborative art projects

Explore & Discover
• Tech demos in the Digital Learning Lab (podcast studio & more)
• Local History Treasures exhibit and Gloucester Timeline Demos
• “The Librarian Is In” booth (10 AM–12 PM)
• Photo Booth for keepsake snapshots (11 AM–2 PM)

Live Music in the Reading Lounge
• Highland Avenue Trio (10 AM–12 PM)
• Steve Lacey String Duo (12–2 PM)

Family-Friendly Fun
• Face painting, LEGO play, and STEM activities
• Strega Mama Story Hour (11 AM)
• Playful Engineers Program (2:00 PM)
• “Teen Zone” Ribbon Cutting (10:30 AM)
• T-shirt Dyeing (11 AM–1 PM)
• Mario Kart Tournament (2–4 PM, signup required)

 Food Trucks On-Site (in Library Parking Lot)
• Pizza by Rhea Pizzeria Napoletana
• Ice cream from SuperStar Ice Cream

Whether you’re a longtime patron or discovering the Sawyer Free Library for the first time, this celebration is for you! 

Come experience YOUR new library—reimagined, renewed, and ready to inspire.

For full event details and updates, visit sawyerfreelibrary.org.

HEADLANDS AT THE MEETINGHOUSE JULY 18th!

~ chasnaz

Dear Friends of the Gloucester Meetinghouse Foundation,

Please join us on July 18th at 6:00pm for music by Headlands, a favorite local band who brings an eclectic range of instruments for all to enjoy!  Headlands, with their exciting three-part vocals that put their stamp on whichever musical genre they choose, whether an acoustic trio or a full-blown rock band with percussion, fiddle and horns, Headlands treats their audiences to thrilling harmonies, tight arrangements, and humor! Please join us for this spectacular Music on Meetinghouse Green event! Backyard Growers will be our local non-profit joining us for this event, Backyard Growers cultivates healthy, connected, resilient communities and fights for food sovereignty by empowering people to grow their own food.  They increase equitable access to vegetable gardens and the resources people and communities need to grow their own food. Our food vendor for the evening will be the Lobster Roller, serving up delicious seafood for the Cape Ann community!  Please bring folding chairs, blankets and extra cash for when the donation buckets go by! Located at the corner of Church and Middle Streets.

FULL SUMMER SCHEDULE

DATE            MUSIC                                         NON-PROFIT

July 18          Headlands                                   Backyard Growers

July 25          Rhiannon Hurst & Friends          Pathways for Children

August 1       Goddesses                                  Gloucester Education Foundation

August 8      Willie Alexander                          The Open Door

August 15     Hye Fusion                                 Grace Center

August 22    What Time is it, Mr. Fox              Action, Inc.

August 29    Jim n’ Tonic                                 HAWC                             

Sept  5         Cape Ann Big Band                     Gloucester Meetinghouse Foundation

2025 season of Gloucester’s farmers market, the Backyard Growcery, kicks off June 18

~ backyardgrowersgloucester

 Backyard Growers, the Gloucester-based food equity nonprofit organization, is thrilled to share the return of the Backyard Growcery, Gloucester’s community-centered, food-focused farmers market in America’s Oldest Seaport. Now in its second season, the Growcery reopens on Wednesday, June 18, at Burnham’s Field and will run weekly until October 15, 2:30-6:30pm. 

The Backyard Growcery brings fresh, local food to the heart of downtown Gloucester while supporting small-scale farms and up-and-coming food businesses. It’s more than just a market—it’s a space to connect, learn, and grow together.

“We can’t wait to see everyone back at the market for another fun season of supporting local growers and making fresh, local food easy for everyone to enjoy,” said Alison DiFiore, Executive Director of Backyard Growers. “The Backyard Growcery is a great spot to hang out—whether you’re picking up veggies, learning something new, getting creative with art, or just spending time with friends and neighbors. See you at Burnham’s!”

Fresh Food, Local Vendors & New Faces

This year’s lineup features favorites like Cedar Rock Gardens, Marshview Farm, First Light Farm, Bonny Breads, Wild Heart, Underground Mushroom, Rhea Pizzeria Napoletana, and more. The Growcery is also welcoming High Tide Farm, a new certified organic farm hosted by New Entry Sustainable Farming Project. Plus, keep an eye out for pop-up appearances from other North Shore food vendors and producers, like Salty’s Bagels, all season long.

The Backyard Growcery is a food-focused market with a mission to boost the local economy and help small businesses thrive while also creating opportunities for community connection. In order to reduce business risk to small-scale food producers, the market does not charge a vendor participation fee. 

New This Year: Growcery Quest!

Want to get to know seasonal, local food, and the people who grow it? The Backyard Growcery is introducing Growcery Quest, a season-long scavenger hunt for kids and families to inspire them to make weekly discoveries at the market. Stop by the Backyard Growers table at the market to get involved.

Accessible, Welcoming, and Here for Everyone

Located at Burnham’s Field—just a 5-minute walk from the MBTA station—the Growcery is easily accessible by foot, CATA bus (near Sheedy Park stop), or car (free parking on Sargent Street and nearby streets). The park also features a playground, basketball courts and athletic fields, walking paths, and a 55-bed community garden managed by Backyard Growers. Burnham’s Field is the homebase of Backyard Growers’ work in the community, connecting low-to-moderate income Gloucester residents with access to the space and resources to grow fresh food.

With the closure of Shaw’s on Railroad Avenue, the need for fresh food in this downtown neighborhood has significantly increased. The Growcery proudly accepts SNAP/EBT, and Backyard Growers provides Market Mint, a SNAP Match up to $5 per week. This year, the Backyard Growcery is doubling the number of vendors who accept WIC and Senior Farmers Market Coupons. WIC coupons will be available at the market on July 23, with more chances to pick up WIC and Senior Coupons throughout the season. 

Cultivating food-growing knowledge & resources in our community

Backyard Growers is committed to ensuring equitable access to the resources, space, and knowledge needed for communities to grow their own food. During the Backyard Growcery, Backyard Growers will once again host regular free workshops, with a focus on vegetable gardening, food preparation and preservation, art, and gardening for pollinators. The nonprofit will also offer regular free giveaways of resources such as vegetable seeds and guidance, with the opportunity to purchase fertilizer, compost, and more, directly from their booth. 

Learn more at www.backyardgrowers.org/backyard-growcery or follow us on social media @backyardgrowcery. 

See you at Burnham’s! 

Get Salty with the Sawyer Free Library and The Open Door!

~ Sawyer Free Library

Join us on Saturday, January 25 from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM at the Sawyer Free Library (21 Main Street) for a fun, family-friendly popcorn party. While your popcorn pops, decorate a festive snowman bag and then create your own custom salty seasoning blend. It’s the perfect winter snack!

This popcorn extravaganza with the Library and The Open Door is part of the 4th Annual Gloucester’s So Salty Festival—a city-wide celebration of Gloucester’s famously salty character. Hosted by the Cape Ann Museum in partnership with local cultural institutions and businesses, this exciting weekend features ice sculptures, live music, salty treats, free art activities for kids, and much more. You won’t want to miss it!

While you’re at the Library, don’t forget to learn how you can save money and energy this winter. Home Works Energy will be on-site from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM to help you sign up for a no-cost home energy assessment through the Mass Save Program.

These events—and the whole So Salty festival—is free and open to the public, so bring your friends and family for a taste of Gloucester’s saltiest delights!

For questions about these or any Library community program and events visit sawyerfreelibrary.org, call 978-325-5500 or stop by the Sawyer Free’s temporary Library space at 21 Main Street in Gloucester.

“Making a Splash for the 2025 Sawyer Free Library” at THE CUT on Sunday, April 28th!

~ Sawyer Free Library

A family-friendly afternoon of live music, beach games and summer vibes featuring Mayor Verga’s band “Moonraker” – all to celebrate the 2025 Sawyer Free Library!

Get ready to make a splash at this community-wide celebration for the 2025 Sawyer Free Library at The Cut at 177 Main Street in downtown Gloucester on Sunday, April 28 from 3:00 -5:00 p.m. Dive into the fun and usher in summer early with live music, beach games and summer vibes – for all ages!

Headlining the event will be “Moonraker,” Gloucester’s very own Mayor’s band featuring Amy Prichard on lead vocals and guitar, Adam Quinn on drums, Missy Sponagle lending her vocal talents, Nate Kidder on lead guitar, Mayor Greg Verga on bass, and a special guest appearance by Millie Manning from Millie and the Half Nelsons on vocals and keyboard.

Adding to the summertime vibe, local reggae sensation the “Dis n’ Dat band” will kick off the party, setting the stage for an afternoon filled with beach games, prizes, and other surprises. Plus, a sneak peek into the exciting developments ahead with the 2025 Sawyer Free Library!

The Library is grateful to The Cut for generously donating their space for this event. And for those who choose to have dinner after the festivities, The Cut will also donate 10% of your final bill to the 2025 Sawyer Free Library.

The family-friendly event is open to all ages; admission is free, but donations to the 2025 Sawyer Free Library are welcomed.  To register or for more details, visit sawyerfreelibrary.org or call 978-325-5500.

‘What Time is it, Mr. Fox?’ this Friday!!!

~ chasnaz

Alek Razdan Ensemble next Friday!!!

Music on Meetinghouse Green presents a free, outdoor concert at 6:00pm featuring ‘What Time is it, Mr. Fox?’on September 1 in front of the UU Church at the corner of Middle and Church Streets. Free-will donations from the audience will benefit the Northshore Health Project. The Lobster Roller is the food vendor. This concert was postponed from August 4 due to heavy rain.

Well known in Boston’s underground cabaret scene, ‘What Time Is It Mr. Fox?’ has earned a loyal following with frequent performances in New York City and tours across the United States. Their original songs feature rich lyrical imagery that explore love, spirituality, sexuality, and identity, and their performances are infused with energy, honesty, and emotional authenticity. Their unique brand of music and performance art has been adopted by popular singers, filmmakers, and repertory theaters. Band members include: 3rian King, voice, piano, and acoustic guitar; Nathan Cohen, violin, trumpet, voice; Dennis Monagle, drums; Renee Dupuis, voice, keys, and melodica; and Joe Cardoza, upright bass.

Next Friday, September 8 at 6:00pm, is our grand finale summer concert featuring the Alek Razdan Ensemble. In addition to Alek, the ensemble features his father Rikki Razdan on saxophone and clarinet, Jim Coyle on guitar and vocals, John Cameron on keyboard, Ken Steiner on bass, and Roger Brockelbank on drums. Free-will donations go to the Gloucester Meetinghouse Foundation’s upcoming major restoration of Meetinghouse Green. The Causeway Restaurant is the food vendor.

MUSIC ON MEETINGHOUSE GREEN 2023 OPENS ON JULY 7TH!!!

~ chasnaz

JOIN US! for the eighth season of our free, outdoor summer concert festival called Music on Meetinghouse Green starting on July 7th at 6:00pm with the John Baboian Berklee Jazz Ensemble. Mayor Greg Verga will be on hand to offer opening remarks. Your free-will donations will support the great work of Pathways for Children. The Causeway Restaurant will be on hand with mouth-watering chowders and lobster rolls for your picnicking delight, so bring folding chairs or blankets with some extra cash!

Location: 50 Middle Street, at the corner with Church Street, on the lawn in front of the Unitarian Universalist Church, Gloucester’s historic 1806 Meetinghouse. Parking: free on-street and in several parking lots nearby; limited HC parking on the green. More info at www.gloucestermeetinghouse.org
 

MUSIC ON MEETINGHOUSE GREEN, FULL SUMMER SCHEDULE

OUR SPONSORS
Thanks to our sponsors, who make this unique music festival possible, 100% of your free-will donations go to our non-profit community partners.

  • Platinum: John & Janis Bell, J.J. & Jackie Bell, Scobie Ward, Cape Ann Savings Bank, Massachusetts Cultural Council, anonymous Lanesvillian Friends
  • Gold:  BOMCO, Michael Bresnan & Mary-Ann Sherry, Linzee Coolidge, anonymous Appreciative Neighbors
  • Silver: Fred Cowan & Dick Gardner, JoeAnn Hart & Gordon Baird, Charles Nazarian, John & Sandra Ronan, Karen Bell, Beverly & Addison-Gilbert Hospitals, Dick Prouty
  • Bronze: Jerry Ackerman, Peter Calkins & Susan Casey, Pat Johnson & Jeff Henderson

JOIN US ON FRIDAY EVENINGS ALL THROUGH THE SUMMER. HAPPY DAYS ARE HERE AGAIN!!!

FREE SUMMER MEALS FOR KIDS!

~ todtheopendoor
From left: Summer Meals for Kids intern Rachel Ellis, Summer Meals for Kids Coordinator Eileen Campbell, intern Harley Pereira, and intern Ryn Montgomery. 

Need help getting breakfast and lunch meals for your kids over the summer break? The Open Door is here to help with Summer Meals for Kids!

Back for its 21st season, Summer Meals for Kids provides nutritious meals to local kids by visiting local neighborhoods, schools, and summer camps to make sure children have access to meals while school is out.

The Summer Meals for Kids program strives to accommodate all allergies and special diets, and to learn more about the program or inform staff of a dietary need, please call 978-283-6776 or email summermeals@foodpantry.org. 

Meals will be provided, at a first come, first serve basis, at the sites and times as follows:  

Gloucester Walk-Up Locations (operating from June 22 to August 26) 

  • The Open Door at 28 Emerson Avenue will serve meals Monday through Friday. Monday through Wednesday meals will be available from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and meals will be available Thursday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 
  • Riverdale Park at 69 Veterans’ Way will have meals available from 12-12:45 p.m. Monday through Friday. 
  • Willowood Gardens at 40 Willowood Road will have meals available from 12-12:45 p.m. Monday through Friday. 
  • Pond View Village at 23 Lepage Lane will have meals available from 11:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Gloucester Enrolled Locations 

  • Summer Learning at West Parish at 10 Concord Street will have meals available for enrolled participants at noon, Monday through Thursday. Summer Meals for Kids will operate from June 27 to July 28 at this site.  
  • O’Maley Academy at 32 Cherry Street will have meals available for enrolled participants from 8-8:30 a.m. and 11-11:30 a.m., Monday through Thursday. Summer Meals for Kids will operate from June 27 to August 4 at this site.  
  • Kindred Gardens at 5 Dr Osman Babson Road will have meals available for enrolled participants from 9-10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.-12 p.m., Monday through Friday. Summer Meals for Kids will operate from June 22 to August 26 at this site.  
  • Camp Spindrift at 27 Atlantic Street will have meals available for participants from 11:30 a.m.-1p.m., Monday through Friday. Summer Meals for Kids will operate from June 23 to August 26 at this site. 
  • Gloucester High School at 32 Leslie O. Johnson Road will have meals available for enrolled participants Monday through Thursday. Summer Meals for Kids will operate from June 27 to August 4 at this site.  

Ipswich Walk-Up Location (operating from June 22 to August 26) 

  • Ipswich Community Food Pantry at 00 Southern Heights in Ipswich will have meals available from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday.  

Ipswich Enrolled Location 

  • Winthrop Elementary School at 65 Central Street in Ipswich will have meals available for enrolled participants from 9-9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.-12 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Summer Meals for Kids will operate from July 5 to August 4 at this location.  

The Open Door is a Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) sponsor, a federal program run by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). USDA SFSP requires a non-discrimination statement that “Meals will be provided to all children without charge and are the same for all children regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability, and there will be no discrimination in the course of the meal service.” More information is available at FOODPANTRY.org/usda.

The Open Door Sumer Meals for Kids schedule will be updated as needed throughout the summer at FOODPANTRY.org/summermeals. 

SmartChoice™ at The Open Door Modernizes Pantry Shopping

~ todtheopendoor

New Online Ordering System Returns Agency to Shoppers

GLOUCESTER — A new online ordering system at The Open Door has expanded choice more than ever before for client shoppers.

SmartChoice™ at The Open Door launched this June and allows clients to place a weekly grocery order that matches any special dietary needs they may have as well as their taste. Clients select from featured items, fruit and juices, vegetables, protein and dairy, ready-to-eat items, grains and cereal, baking, snacks, condiments, special dietary items, pet supplies, household supplies, health and hygiene products, baby food and supplies, and miscellaneous items.

Once clients sign into SmartChoice™ at The Open Door at FOODPANTRY.org/order, they can use the above menu to create their weekly grocery order. (Image Courtesy of
The Open Door)

“When people choose their own groceries, we know they’re getting the food they’ll eat and enjoy to thrive,” President and CEO Julie LaFontaine said. “We’re proud to have this new resource for our clients.”

Before the online ordering system became available, The Open Door provided bags of pre-selected groceries for clients starting in March 2020 in response to the pandemic. This was done through a Curbside, No-Contact model used at both the Gloucester and Ipswich food pantries, and protected the health and well-being of clients, volunteers, and staff alike while also expanding the nonprofit’s capacity to meet increased need. While the curbside model was necessary to feed more people, it left shoppers with less personal choice.

At the height of the pandemic, The Open Door met a 40% increase in need for food resources, and continues to meet ongoing need.

Today, clients are still picking-up their groceries at either site or receiving deliveries if they qualify for The Open Door grocery and meal delivery program. However, SmartChoice™ at The Open Door brings more choice to the table than ever before. It accounts for every item available in The Open Door’s inventory, working seamlessly in partnership with the warehouse. Grocery orders are managed by the Fulfillment Center, where staff and volunteers package grocery orders Monday through Friday.

Volunteer Laurie Fenton prepares a grocery order placed via SmartChoice™ at
The Open Door. (Image Courtesy of The Open Door)

Translation services are available over the phone in many languages. Those without internet access, with questions, or who prefer to place their order by phone are welcome to do so by calling 978-283-6776.   

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 2020, The Open Door helped stabilize the lives and health of 9,681 unduplicated people from 4,703 households through the distribution of 2.46 million pounds of food, amounting to 2.05 million meals. Requests for food assistance during this pandemic year were up 27 percent.

Programs of The Open Door include two food pantries (located in Gloucester and in Ipswich), 12 Mobile Markets, Community Meals, SNAP Application assistance and Advocacy, Medically Tailored Groceries, Nutrition Education, Therapy and Counseling, Food Rescue, Summer Meals for Kids, On Your Mark Job Training and Internships, Holiday Baskets, Senior Soup & Salad, (NEW) SmartChoice™ at The Open Door and (NEW) Grocery and Meal Delivery. Second Glance, the thrift store of The Open Door, provides revenue for the organization, referrals for people in need, and recycles textiles and other materials.

For more information, visit FOODPANTRY.org.  

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