“If you can’t feed a hundred people, feed just one.” – Mother Teresa
Thank you for your interest in donating food! We appreciate all healthy and wholesome donations, including fresh produce. Your support stocks our shelves and ensures local families have access to nourishing food.
Donation Guidelines
We gladly accept most food donations, especially fresh produce and pantry staples! We also appreciate donations of paper grocery bags and dozen-sized cardboard egg cartons. To help us keep our community safe and healthy, please follow the simple guidelines below for all food items.
Rules on What We Can Accept
To keep everyone safe, we follow USDA food safety guidelines. Please make sure all food donations are:
- In their original, unopened packaging
- Clearly labeled with an ingredient list
- Clearly labeled with an expiration date
- No more than 3 months past their expiration date
- Handed directly to a staff member or volunteer if frozen or perishable (please do not leave on shelves)
Rules on What We Cannot Accept
Non-food donations are considered case by case, but we cannot accept:
- Homemade or home-canned foods (jams, pickles, breads, etc.)
- Anything in damaged, open, or unlabeled packages
- Furniture, Appliances, Housewares, or Decorations
- Clothing
Top Needs
Download Suggested Items Flyer
Download Donation Guidelines Flyer
Have a non-food item you think we could use? Please email donatefood@theopendoorpantry.org before dropping it off.
Donation Drop-Off Hours & Location
Our Address*: 3000 Ames Crossing Rd. Suite 100 Eagan, MN 55121
*Please Note: our donation entrance is on the NORTH side of our building.
For Non-Perishable Food (24/7 Drop-Off)
You can drop off non-perishable items (canned goods, pasta, cereal, etc.) in our donation vestibule anytime.
- Where: Use Door #4
- When: 24/7 (self-service vestibule)
- Note: Please follow the instructions inside the vestibule for donation receipts.
For Perishable Food OR Large Donations (Staffed Hours)
Please bring fresh produce, frozen/perishable items, or any very large donations directly to our staff during these hours.
- Where: Use Door #3
- When: Monday – Thursday from 11am – 3pm & Friday from 11am – 2:45pm
Other Ways to Help
Host a Food Drive
Hosting a food drive is a simple, impactful way to bring people together and support neighbors facing food insecurity. It’s an easy way to make a big difference in our community!
Learn More
Host an Emergency To-Go Bag Packing Party
Emergency To-Go Bags are given to anyone who visits The Open Door without an appointment but is in immediate need of food. Hosting a packing party is a simple, hands-on way to make a direct impact!
Learn More
Make and Donate Snack Packs for School Kids!
Gather your family, friends, or team and hold an off-site packing project for The Open Door. It’s a fun and easy way support kids throughout the year.
Learn More