EAGAN, MINNESOTA – The Open Door, a prominent hunger relief organization based in Eagan, is making significant strides in waste reduction and sustainability with the support of Dakota County. This initiative follows their successful 2018 collaboration with the county's Business Incentive Program, aimed at enhancing recycling efforts, composting food waste, and educating staff and volunteers.

In 2024, The Open Door sought further assistance from Dakota County for a new waste reduction project. With the grant funding received, they have made impactful changes that promise to improve their operations and environmental footprint. A key component of this initiative was the purchase of an Energy Star-certified refrigerator. This advanced appliance ensures that perishable food items are stored at safe temperatures, effectively reducing food waste. By maintaining the integrity of the food supply, The Open Door can continue to support over 15,000 individuals and families with fresh, safe products.

In addition to the refrigerator, The Open Door replaced disposable plastic pallet wraps with reusable cart wraps. These innovative wraps have proven to be both efficient and environmentally friendly. Unlike traditional plastic wraps that end up in landfills, reusable cart wraps can be utilized multiple times, significantly reducing plastic waste. Moreover, the new wraps have streamlined the workflow for volunteers, allowing them to wrap carts independently. This improvement not only saves staff time but also enhances the organization's overall efficiency.

The Open Door's commitment to sustainability is a testament to its holistic approach to hunger relief. Integrating eco-friendly practices into its operations is setting a positive example for other organizations and demonstrating that environmental responsibility and community support can go hand in hand.

In addition to its waste reduction initiatives, The Open Door has expanded its food support programs to better serve the community through its Mobile Pantry, Mobile Lunch Box, and Garden to Table programs.

The Mobile Pantry is an innovative approach to providing food support to those who lack reliable transportation. Traveling to designated sites on a pre-arranged schedule, the Mobile Pantry eliminates transportation and mobility barriers, bringing food directly to neighborhoods. At some sites, individuals and families select healthy, wholesome food from a freshly stocked bus lined with pantry shelves. At other locations, clients choose fresh food and non-perishable items from tables inside community structures like schools or senior living facilities. Like the Eagan Pantry food shelves, 70% of the food offered is fresh and perishable.

The Mobile Lunch Box is a unique initiative addressing children's hunger during the summer when school meal programs are unavailable. The Mobile Lunch Box delivers free healthy lunches to neighborhoods across Dakota County, ensuring children receive nutritious meals even when school is out. Additionally, kids receive a bag of healthy food to take home, providing further support to their families.

Garden To Table® is another sustainable initiative by The Open Door, promoting access to fresh garden produce for families in need. With 13 sites and over 350 plots, the program offers adoptable plots where food shelf clients can access garden plots, seeds, plants, and tools at no cost. Additionally, giving gardens, supported by churches, schools, and businesses, provide fresh garden produce for the Pantry.

As The Open Door continues to innovate and enhance its services, the partnership with Dakota County is a model for how local collaborations can lead to meaningful environmental and social benefits. The organization’s dedication to reducing waste supports its hunger relief mission and contributes to the broader goal of environmental stewardship.

Written by: Will Wight
Cover photo credit: The Open Door/Facebook

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