Open Heart Kitchen

06/16/2026

🎉 Tickets are now on sale for Open Heart Kitchen's Heart of the Tri-Valley Gala!

Learn more and purchase your tickets today: openheartkitchen.org/gala
Join us on the evening of September 11 at Casa Real for an 70s themed celebration of community and compassion. You'll enjoy a welcome cocktail and passed appetizers during the reception, a seated dinner, exciting auction opportunities, and inspiring stories about the lives being changed through Open Heart Kitchen's programs.

🎟️ Individual Tickets: $200
🎟️ Early Bird Table of 10: $1,750 (available through July 31)

Whether you're gathering friends, colleagues, or family, this event is a wonderful way to support Open Heart Kitchen while enjoying a memorable night together.
We can't wait to celebrate with you! 🕺🪩💃

06/15/2026

What a ride! 🤠

On Saturday Open Heart Kitchen proudly participated in the 108th Annual Livermore Rodeo Parade.

We were especially honored that our Executive Director, John Bost, was selected as the parade’s Grand Marshall! John and our Operations Director, Shawnda Bost, rode through downtown Livermore while our incredible volunteers walked alongside carrying the Open Heart Kitchen banner and spreading awareness about our mission.

A huge thank-you to our dedicated volunteers: Bob, Laurie, Megan, John, Mardiana, Reid, and Priscella. Your energy and community spirit made the day unforgettable!

We’re also deeply grateful to the Rotary Club of Livermore Rodeo Parade Committee for organizing such a wonderful tradition, and to the Tri-Valley NonProfit Alliance for supporting and celebrating local nonprofits.

Thank you for cheering us on and helping us shine a spotlight on the work we do together every day. Yeehaw!! 💛

06/12/2026

Food insecurity affects children, families, and seniors right here in the Tri-Valley. Every day, thousands of our neighbors rely on community support to help put food on the table.

Open Heart Kitchen is currently providing an average of 118,000 meals to our community each month—that's nearly 4,000 meals every day.

Through our Community Meal Program, Senior Meal Program, Open Heart Food Bank network, and shelter services, we're working to ensure that everyone in our community has access to nutritious food and compassionate support when they need it most.

Thank you for helping us build a stronger community where no one has to face hunger alone. ❤️

06/09/2026

‘At the Open Heart Kitchen [Vineyard] resource center near downtown Livermore, many of the guests in its shelter program are older. The average age of the guests at the 30-bed shelter is about 60, and there’s a wait list of about 45 people, according to Executive Director John Bost.

Johnna Smith, 76, ended up at the shelter last year after a conflict with her brother over the home they inherited from their mother. Like Evans, Smith said, “I never thought I’d ever be in this situation.”

…

“When I first came here I was scared to death, but I have been treated so nice,” she said.‘

Read the full article, published today in The San Francisco Chronicle:

The rise in homelessness in one Tri-Valley city and other neighboring areas comes as the region grapples with a population boom.

06/04/2026

Summer 2026 is right around the corner, and it's going to be busy! Join us this season as we work hard, celebrate our achievements, and serve our community.

In our June E-Newsletter you can read about a grassroots community event hosted by a supporter, be among the FIRST to secure your seat at our annual gala fundraiser, and more.

Read the e-newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/openheartkitchen/june-2026

06/04/2026

Our team needs your help! 🍓

We've added additional volunteer shifts to help our Production Kitchen team prepare meals, and our Food Bank team sort and package groceries. Please join us!

To learn more and sign up, please visit openheartkitchen.org/volunteer
(link in bio!!)

06/03/2026

Starting June 1 until August 7, pick up a free bag lunch for kids and teens, courtesy of Open Heart Kitchen, at Rincon and Spring libraries . No paperwork or registration required. First come, first served. Vegetarian option available. No lunch distribution on June 19 or July 3.

Monday, Wednesday & Friday
Rincon Library - 725 Rincon Ave.
12 - 1:30 p.m.

Tuesday & Thursday
Rincon Library - 725 Rincon Ave.
12 - 1 p.m.

Join Summer Learning for all ages. Register at Livermore.beanstack.org or on the Beanstack app. Paper gameboards are also available at all Livermore Library locations. Summer Learning runs until August 4, 2026. Participants who track their reading and activities have a chance to win prizes. Everyone receives a free book just for signing up!

Thanks to Friends of the Livermore Library and our other partners for making the Summer Learning program and events possible.

05/21/2026

🎉 Yesterday, Open Heart Kitchen was honored in Sacramento as Assembly District 16’s 2026 Nonprofit of the Year! Thank you to Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan for this incredible honor.

At a time when more families, seniors, and neighbors are struggling to afford basic necessities, this award is a powerful reminder that compassion in action matters.

This recognition belongs to our entire community — our donors, volunteers, staff, board members, and supporters who make this work possible every single day. Thank you for believing in our mission and helping us build a community where no one is left behind. 🧡

www.openheartkitchen.org

05/20/2026