WHO WE ARE
What started out as a small Food Bank operating out of the lobby of the North Jersey Vineyard Church at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic has now grown to become a food distribution hub in the broader tri-state area, with plans to expand to offer more programs and services to benefit individuals and families in all aspects of life. It is one of our values to offer assistance through programs and courses that will maintain the respect and dignity of each person, affording them opportunities for growth toward stability in their lives.
Our Story
THE PANDEMIC HIT… AND WE RESPONDED.
At the Open Door Community Center, we strongly believe that we are called to care for the poor, the hungry, and the needy from all walks of life. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit our area in the early spring of 2020, we were determined to faithfully step into new and unprecedented opportunities to make a difference in our community in practical and tangible ways. Immediately we were made aware of many families who were greatly impacted by the pandemic — especially due to illness, quarantine, and loss of employment — and as a result, the need for food became a sobering and increasing reality.
Our Food Bank was initially launched through the North Jersey Vineyard Church in direct response to this fundamental and increasing need in our area, and it is our vision to expand this vital resource in and for our community, having now become established as the Open Door Community Center as a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. We are passionate about serving all of the families who benefit from our Food Bank and other services and programs, not only to meet their physical needs but also to allow each family that enters our doors to experience hope, respect, and dignity.
Our Food Bank distribution is currently held on a bi-weekly basis; at this time, we are assisting between 400 to 500 local families every week, and this number continues to grow. We also supply 30 additional local ministries which impact around 600 families throughout the week. Currently we support four nearby counties (Passaic, Essex, Bergen, Union) as well as communities in neighboring states (New York, Pennsylvania). It is our hope to continue to offer a sustainable variety of non-perishable goods as well as produce and dairy products to meet our current and potentially growing base throughout our immediate community and the broader tri-state area.