Open Heart Kitchen’s 2025 Year in Review

Open Heart Kitchen turned 30 years old in 2025. How did we celebrate? By having one of our most successful years of service to the Tri-Valley community, second only to peak-pandemic operations. We distributed an incredible number of meals to support our neighbors, our shelter provided safety to dozens of our neighbors nightly, and tens of thousands of volunteer hours made it all work! 

Open Heart Kitchen is dedicated to fighting hunger and fostering a sense of community through diverse meal programs and support services. The Community Meal Program is our cornerstone, offering nutritious, freshly prepared meals to anyone in need since 1995.

• 998,482 total meals served across all our programs

• 114,379 Community Meals served to 1,082 clients at the Vineyard Resource Center

Community meals create a welcoming environment where individuals and families can enjoy a hot, wholesome meal in a safe and friendly setting. Beyond nourishment, these gatherings serve as a vital social connection, helping to combat loneliness and build a sense of belonging among anyone experiencing food insecurity.

The Senior Meal Program is specially designed to support older adults who may face challenges in accessing or preparing healthy food. This program ensures that seniors receive balanced, nourishing meals served in a restaurant-style setting where they dine with their peers and receive vital socialization. 

• 36,964 Senior Meals served to 707 clients at 3 Tri-Valley locations

By providing seniors with regular, nutritious meals, Open Heart Kitchen helps improve their overall health, mental well-being, and independence. Our Senior Meal Program also offers opportunities for social interaction, which is crucial for reducing isolation among seniors and enhancing their quality of life.

For individuals experiencing homelessness or crisis, Open Heart Kitchen provides vital support through our Open Heart Refuge overnight guest program. Guests staying at Open Heart Refuge are offered warm, nutritious meals that provide comfort and sustenance during difficult times.

• 10,276 shelter client meals (dinner & breakfast)

• 10,415 collective nights of rest for 185 shelter guests

Open Heart Kitchen is committed to providing consistent, caring support in assisting vulnerable populations on their path to stability.

2025 was the first year of operating the Open Heart Food Bank. A number of partner agencies across the Tri-Valley are supported by the Open Heart Food Bank. These partnerships enable the Food Bank to distribute food efficiently and reach a wider audience of those in need.

• 836,863 equivalent meals served through Open Heart Food Bank

• 9 partner agencies supported by Open Heart Food Bank

By working together with our food bank partners, Open Heart Kitchen leads a coordinated effort to combat food insecurity in our region and ensure that resources are directed where they are most needed. Open Heart Food Bank’s collaborative approach helps build a stronger, more resilient community.

Volunteers are the heart and soul of Open Heart Kitchen. Their dedication and compassion drive our success, whether they are preparing meals, serving guests, or spreading awareness of our work.

• 21,229 Hours Volunteered 

• 1,071 Volunteers - the most volunteer engagement since February 2020! 

Volunteers bring warmth, kindness, and a personal touch that transforms service into a meaningful act of community care. Their selfless contributions make it possible for Open Heart Kitchen to continue our mission of providing hope, nourishment, and connection to those who need it most.

We are dedicated to our mission of supporting anyone facing hunger. But we can’t do it without the Tri-Valley community. Please consider donating to Open Heart Kitchen. Together, we can fight hunger and build a future where everyone has access to nutritious food and a brighter future.