You must comply with current TEFAP Income Guidelines to qualify for our food services.

frequently asked questions

Who can apply to get free groceries from The Open Door?

We serve 11 cities and towns: Gloucester, Rockport, Ipswich, Essex, Manchester-by-the-Sea, Hamilton, Wenham, Boxford, Topsfield, Rowley, and Georgetown. You must also comply with current TEFAP Income Guidelines to qualify for our food services.

How long does it take for applications to be processed?

Please allow a few business days for our team to process your application. Once approved you will receive an email with your login information to place a custom grocery order online. If you need food immediately, please visit either our Gloucester Food Pantry at 28 Emerson Avenue in Gloucester, Massachusetts (open M-F from 8:30am to 6:00pm) or our Ipswich Community Food Pantry at 00 Southern Heights in Ipswich, Massachusetts (open Wednesday and Thursday from 10:30am to 6:00pm), for what we call a “Quick Trip.” “Quick Trips” offer a variety of basic grocery supplies.

How often can I place a grocery order?

Once your application is processed, you can place weekly grocery orders for pick-up at our Gloucester Food Pantry or Ipswich Community Food Pantry.

What if I can’t get to either pantry during your business hours?

No problem. Shoppers who can’t get to us during our business hours can schedule orders for pick-up after hours from our 24/7 refrigerated food lockers (available at both our Gloucester and Ipswich locations!). To apply for our food locker program, click here.

The Open Door serves 11 communities: Gloucester, Rockport, Ipswich, Essex, Manchester-by-the-Sea, Hamilton, Wenham, Boxford, Topsfield, Rowley, and Georgetown. Mobile sites in Danvers and Lynn.

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