The Open Door

05/24/2026

A reminder: The Open Door will be closed Monday, May 25, for Memorial Day. We will reopen on Tuesday, May 26.

05/12/2026

Our Dakota County Northern Service Center Pop-Up Produce distribution is happening TODAY, May 12, from 3-6pm.

🥕 FREE fresh produce, pantry staples, meat, and dairy for anyone who needs it!
🥕No appointment needed
📍 Outside the Dakota County Northern Service Center - 1 Mendota Rd, West St Paul, MN 55118
⏱️ The 2nd Tuesday of each month from 3:00pm – 6:00pm

05/05/2026

Want to volunteer for Mobile Lunchbox this summer? The volunteer interest form is officially open!

Q: What is Mobile Lunchbox?
It's a summertime program from The Open Door that delivers fresh meals directly to kids across Dakota County who lose access to reliable school lunch during the break.

Q: What does volunteering for Mobile Lunchbox look like?
Volunteers (in teams of two) drive routes to local neighborhoods to distribute lunches to kids. It's a perfect summer activity to do with a friend or partner. Shifts run Monday - Friday from June through August and usually last about 3 - 4 hours.

Fill out the form today if you’re interested in helping us this summer! https://forms.office.com/r/TYakaFY5a3?origin=QRCode

04/24/2026

We're running very low on canned soup and would really appreciate donations of it right now! Donations can be dropped off 24/7 at our donation vestibule located at 3000 Ames Crossing Rd., Suite 100 (Door #4) in Eagan.

P.S. - Donations of oatmeal, canned fruit, and canned vegetables would also be very helpful. Skip the green beans for now though - we've got more cans of those then we know what to do with! 😊

04/23/2026

As the 2026 legislative session wraps up, it’s looking like food shelves may receive less support from the state than last year. Food shelves across Minnesota are facing record demand, and we need your help to make sure everyone has access to the fresh, healthy food they deserve. Please take a moment to speak up for our community and urge your legislators to prioritize funding for food shelves here:

https://thefoodgroup.salsalabs.org/fsfbfunding42026/index.html?

Food shelves across Minnesota are facing record demand - and need your voice. Rising grocery costs and upcoming SNAP cuts are making it harder for families to afford food, while our hunger relief network is stretched thin.

04/23/2026

"I heard on the radio station somebody from Open Door say, 'If you want to get the gold star for donations, you bring in tampons and crunchy peanut butter. ' He had me laughing in traffic saying that, but I locked it into my brain. Soon after, my kids' schools had a food drive - and I made sure each of the kids' bags had those ingredients.

Then, I started volunteering here this winter - because I felt like I needed to do something more. Once I've gotten kids to school, 8:30 is like my jumping point. I'm already in the rhythm, coffee has kicked in, I'm ready to go. I want to be somewhere where good is good, and here it's really for the greater good.

My advice to moms like me who also want to volunteer... well, you're probably already skilled at the Tetris of your family schedule. I think if you are moved to do this, you probably have a moment in the week where you could. It doesn't take much time. And it feels good to do good."

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This week is Volunteer Appreciation Week, and we're highlighting some of the amazing volunteers that make our mission possible. This is Kari - a newer member of our volunteer community we feel so lucky to have on board! Has Kari had a positive impact on you? Share your story below! Happy Volunteer Appreciation Week!

04/22/2026

"I think it’s always kind of surprising - that you just don't know who might need some help right in our community. Everyone might have the time in their life where they could use a little help, and we're sensitive to that. If we can help in some small way... well, this might be it.

Lyle and I enjoy working and doing this together. It gives us a stronger connection, and it’s just fun to know we’re helping out where some help might be needed in our community. We’re very capable to do this. We have the time. There are people who need our help. And I think when you are of a giving nature... it just feels right."

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This week is Volunteer Appreciation Week, and we're highlighting some of the amazing volunteers who make our mission possible. Meet Michelle & Lyle - one of our many lovely volunteer couples who serve together at The Open Door! Have Michelle or Lyle had a positive impact on you? Share your story below! Happy Volunteer Appreciation Week!

04/21/2026

"I said, let me try. That's my word. I'll try. I don't know if I can do it, but I won't know at all unless I start with something.

I have several really close communities that I'm a part of, and I wouldn't trade them for anything. They're the tripod of my life - Weight Watchers, Anytime Fitness, and The Open Door. They come together to keep me healthy - mind and body. They all encourage me to try things! They've taught me if I try, maybe I can. Or maybe I can almost. Or maybe I'll get it next time!

For the first time a couple of weeks ago, I helped with packing produce, putting the bags together and then filling them. I'd never done that before, but somebody didn't show up for their volunteer shift, so I stuck around to help. And I did fine! Now, if a produce packing shift isn't available, I don't know what I'm going to do with my day!

I think this is an awesome place, and I'm glad I found it."

This week is Volunteer Appreciation Week, and we're highlighting some of the amazing volunteers that make our mission possible. This is Terri - a volunteer of many talents, who reminds us there is always room to learn, grow, and help your neighbors. Has Terri, or another Open Door volunteer, had a positive impact on you? Share your story by commenting below! Happy Volunteer Appreciation Week!

04/14/2026

Our Dakota County Northern Service Center Pop-Up Produce distribution is happening TODAY, April 14th, from 3-6pm.

🥕 FREE fresh produce, pantry staples, meat, and dairy for anyone who needs it!
🥕No appointment needed
📍 Inside the Dakota County Northern Service Center - 1 Mendota Rd, West St Paul, MN 55118
⏱️ The 2nd Tuesday of each month from 3:00pm – 6:00pm