The Open Door’s mission is “a fresh approach to ending local hunger through access to health food”.

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The Open Door is celebrating its 10th Anniversary this year as a nonprofit organization supporting low-income residents through access to fresh and healthy food. Each month, our collective programs serve more than 6,000 people and distribute over 1 million pounds of food annually, nearly 70% of which is fresh and/or perishable. Clients may access nutritious food options through a fixed-site food pantry in Eagan, 28 Mobile Pantry sites, the Mobile Lunchbox, and the Garden to Table program. Through our healthy food focus and innovative programs, we have sought to redefine how our sector approaches hunger relief. We view hunger through a community-health lens, and work to help our clients improve access to nutritious food in an equitable manner.

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YOUR DONATIONS AT WORK:

• $100.00 provides 2weeks of groceries for three families. 

• $50.00 provides milk for 50 Families.

• $30.00 provides eggs for 30 Families.

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Hunger in Dakota County:

• 31,200 people in Dakota County are food insecure. 

• 1/3rd of Dakota County residents have low access to food. 

  • Urban areas: > 1 mile from grocery store

  • Suburban areas: > 10 miles from grocery store

• 1 out of 3 children eligible for free or reduced lunch nationwide now live in the suburbs.

• Minimum wage = needing to work 75 hours/week to afford a two bedroom apartment in Dakota County.

• For the first time in history there are more people in poverty in the suburbs than in the urban core. 

• Senior visits to food shelves in Dakota County are up 57% over the last 7 years. 

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For more information on the Open Door please go to the website at www.theopendoorpantry.org​​