Illustrative Thanksgiving dinner photograph. This is not a meal prepared by Open Table. Photo: Paulo O / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0. Image resized for display. Image source · Licence.
By Tito Baron Media News Desk
Open Table, a Massachusetts hunger-relief charity, scheduled Thanksgiving meal preparation in Maynard for Wednesday, November 11, ahead of a holiday distribution of frozen dinners and grocery kits to local households.
Chef Luke Giroux and volunteers were due to work from 9 a.m. to noon at the charity’s kitchen at 33 Main Street. Its November 5 advisory set out plans for 460 turkey dinners and 140 vegan dinners, with distribution during the week of November 16.
The turkey menu includes stuffing, mashed potatoes, green beans and autumn squash. The vegan option features lentil-walnut stew, acorn squash, vegan stuffing and mashed potatoes. The two meal totals add up to 600 planned dinners.
Separately, Open Table said it would distribute 400 grocery kits containing frozen poultry, shelf-stable ingredients, produce and dessert. Those kits are distinct from the prepared dinners and are intended to help households put together a holiday meal.
Executive Director Alex DePalo anticipated strong demand in the charity’s advisory. The published announcement describes the preparation and distribution plan; it does not establish how many meals had been completed or collected by November 11.
Outside the holiday programme, Open Table offers a pantry service through which clients can order online, by telephone or on arrival. Volunteers assemble the orders and help load grocery bags during drive-through collection.
The drive-through operates from the Maynard Municipal Parking Lot at Summer and Main streets, with entry from Summer Street. People arriving on foot, by bicycle or by public transport can use the walk-up service at 33 Main Street.
The charity lists regular pantry hours of 1–3 p.m. on Tuesdays for clients aged 65 and over, followed by 3–6:30 p.m. for all clients. Thursday hours are 11 a.m.–4:30 p.m. These are regular service hours; households should check directly for holiday arrangements.
Open Table says new clients are welcome without identification or advance registration. It serves 21 communities, including Maynard, Concord, Acton and Sudbury. People living outside its service area who work in Concord or Maynard may also qualify with proof of employment.
Households seeking food assistance can consult the charity’s programmes page or call 978-369-2275 to confirm access and collection details.
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