In a given week, more than 6,000 households utilize Open Cupboard programs, including our drive-up service, delivery program, mobile food shelf, and Today’s Harvest free, fresh market. Each of those households has their own reason for reaching out for free food help. For some, it’s to stretch their grocery budgets or source items they can’t afford at a traditional grocery store. For many, we provide consistent support, while others look to us in times of crisis and transition. For most, it’s the safe, respectful, comforting feeling our programs provide.
To help people understand the impact of our programs — why people look to us and what food help means to them — we collect stories from our shoppers and program participants. Scroll and click below to get to know some of the people who make our Open Cupboard community so special. We thank them for utilizing our programs and so generously sharing their stories. Looking for more stories of need and impact? Scroll through our recent News stories.
“I wish people knew that Open Cupboard and Today’s Harvest exist! I wish people knew how easy it was and how friendly an environment it is. And I wish people knew that there is no shame in needing help.”
“We’re grateful to be able to visit when we need and as often as we need. You never know when you’ll need the resources, and Open Cupboard is always there.”
“What’s really nice is that Today’s Harvest doesn’t have income requirements, so as my circumstances change, I’ll be able to utilize these resources until I’m more stable.”
“Before I qualified for SNAP, probably 90% of my groceries came from here. Now, it helps fill the gaps.”
“Because benefits and resources like Today’s Harvest were available, we had a safety net during our time of challenge and changes”
“But the day I finally came, I left thinking, ‘I can’t believe I am leaving with two grocery bags.’”
“It’s humbling to come in here. But you all don’t shame people. Everyone should know that there’s a place out here that still cares for the people who need help.”
“The help (at Today’s Harvest) is out of this world. The accommodations are wonderful. It’s clean. It’s a lot of variety of different foods… I just love it there.”
“It was nicer than going to food shelves because of the variety and quantity of fresh produce that was available.”