With a partnership spanning 30 years, Open Table is Gaining Ground’s longest running food distribution partner. Located in the heart of Maynard’s downtown, Open Table works to meet the food security needs of almost 9000 people in 21 local communities, with a majority of guests coming from Maynard, Acton, Lowell, Hudson and Concord. Open Table is dedicated to serving the community with dignity and choice, offering an onsite pantry, prepared meals, mobile pantries, and home delivery programs. “Many clients are just one medical event, layoff, or SNAP freeze away from food insecurity” explains Open Table Executive Director Alex DePalo.

Allison Goodwin, Gaining Ground’s Operations Director, describes Open Table as “the gold standard for excellent service delivered with care, respect, and efficiency.” She also notes that “some of our other partners have mentioned that they aspire to be a choice-based and client-focused food pantry like Open Table.” For clients who prefer to cook, Open Table can provide a variety of ingredients for healthy meals: fresh produce, meat, dairy, and other groceries. For clients who may not have the ability or facilities to prepare meals for themselves, Open Table makes sure they are nourished with healthy frozen meals prepared onsite by their chef. Other ways that Open Table works to serve clients’ diverse needs include fresh grab-n-go lunches for older adults and special kids bags with healthy items that appeal to young children. The relationship comes full circle each summer when Open Table’s summer interns visit Gaining Ground to volunteer together on the farm for the opportunity to learn more about locally grown food, and the broader ecosystem of Open Table’s partners.