The Open Door Food Pantry (ODFP) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that has been serving hungry families and individuals in the Butler County area since 1981. Our purpose is to provide a 3-5-day emergency supply of food to our clients, most of whom are living under the poverty line. Services are provided without regard to race, creed, gender, color, ethnicity or national origin.
Upon arrival, our shoppers check in with a staff member and receive one-one-one attention while they personally choose food items that best meet their families’ needs and preferences. Our clients may come once a month for groceries and as often as they like for fresh produce, bread products and eggs, when available.
We are a member of the Shared Harvest Food Bank’s network of pantries serving the city of Hamilton and Butler County. In exchange for the packaged and frozen food they supply, we pay a shared maintenance fee. Each dollar you donate purchases food valued at 3 times that amount!
Generous area churches and organizations donate canned goods. In addition, we rely on donations of baked goods, frozen items, produce and eggs from local grocery stores and farmers.
More than 60% of the Pantry's funding comes from individuals, local churches, service organizations and community-minded businesses serving the Butler County area.
Our major fundraising event is the ODFP Benefit Concert of Spiritual Music held annually on the first Sunday of November since 1991. The audience is treated to a variety of music offered by vocalists, instrumental soloists, choirs, bands and the Butler Philharmonic Chorus. There is no charge for the event; a free-will offering is collected.
Our newest fundraisers are “Empty Bowls” events sponsored by schools and churches. For a small fee, guests chow down on fresh homemade soups in handmade bowls.
* The ODFP is the beneficiary of grants from many local and regional foundations.
