The mission of Open Heart Kitchen is “equitable access to nutritious food today while building a food-secure tomorrow,” according to officials. The Livermore-based nonprofit runs the largest hot meal program of its kind in the Tri--Valley Area and serves meals at multiple locations in Dublin, Livermore, and Pleasanton. Unlike some programs, there is no qualifying process for those seeking food. Meals may be taken to go or eaten at the nonprofit’s multiple serving sites. Open Heart Kitchen’s work is made possible by partnerships with local food pantries and other Tri--Valley nonprofits that strive to promote nutrition and hunger relief.

In 2021, Open Heart Kitchen served more than 2 million meals in the Tri-Valley area. According to government statistics, one third of Alameda County residents live in or near the official poverty level. “We see our organization as a safety net for those experiencing food insecurity,” says Development Director Denise Bridges. “There is a perception that there isn’t poverty in the Tri-Valley but we know that’s untrue. Food insecurity and hunger is prevalent even in the Tri-Valley area.”
                       
One exciting development for the nonprofit is the construction of a new production kitchen and dining room at Vineyard 2.0 in Livermore. The Vineyard 2.0 Project will include permanent, supportive housing and other services such as temporary overnight shelter, mailboxes, showers, laundry, and free hot meals provided by Open Heart Kitchen. Construction began in April 2022 and is expected to be completed in the summer of 2023, according to Bridges.

Many locals over the age of 60 depend on the meals provided by Open Heart Kitchen at various senior centers in the Tri-Valley area and at a low-income senior housing complex in Pleasanton. “Seniors, who are often on a fixed income, are especially vulnerable to food insecurity,” notes Bridges. “During the holidays, we provide care and attention to these seniors with special holiday meals. For example, the Thanksgiving meal will be served on Wednesday, November 23rd, and it is roasted turkey with mashed potatoes, gravy, and green bean casserole. We want the seniors in our community to feel attended to and cared for.”
 
In addition to preparing hot meals, Open Heart Kitchen also delivers food six days a week to the unhoused. These are people living in encampments at an estimated 15 different sites throughout the Tri-Valley. “Ready-made food is important for people who  lack access to a kitchen and are unable to safely refrigerate or store food,” says Bridges. “We also provide clothing and hygiene products to our unhoused clients such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, socks, hand sanitizer, deodorant, and bottled water.”
 
In July, Open Heart Kitchen was chosen as the Redistribution partner for the Alameda County Community Food Bank. Now small, local pantries can get fresh produce without traveling to Oakland. Instead, they can access the new Open Heart Food Bank located in a 19,000-square-foot warehouse in Livermore that serves as a food distribution hub for Dublin, Pleasanton, and Livermore and provides local jobs and volunteer opportunities.       
 
This year Open Heart Kitchen was selected for the Fall Giving Campaign by the Community Health & Education Foundation (CHEF). Until October 31, CHEF will add an additional $1 to every $2 donated by others to Open Heart Kitchen up to a total of $10,000. Donations must be made through the Fall Giving Campaign website at www.chefgivingcommunity.org/fall2022 to qualify for the matching funds. Select "Open Heart Kitchen'' from the pull down menu when making a donation.

For more information about Open Heart Kitchen, please visit www.openheartkitchen.org, its Facebook page at www.facebook.com/OpenHeartKitchen, and its Instagram account at www.instagram.com/open_heart_kitchen.
 
For more information about the Vineyard 2.0 Project, please visit www.openheartkitchen.org/our-plan.