In order to understand how Feeding 500 came to be, one must first know of the story of Open Doors Shelter. Originating in 1983 as a community service program hosting a small emergency shelter, Open Doors was originally known as the Norwalk Emergency Shelter. In 2008, the name was changed to Open Door Shelter and from then on, the shelter would expand to include over 55 housing units, providing food and shelter for thousands while placing an emphasis on the re-education and rehabilitation of needy individuals. This is the Open Doors we know today.

In 2020, Oliver Tuff, a student at New Canaan High School, began Feeding 500 as a way to get high school students in Fairfield county more involved in community efforts in and around Open Doors. Alongside 5 other team leaders, Oliver helped manage a group of 24 students throughout the 2020-2021 school year and was able to successfully raise over $10,000 in donations and an additional $5,000 worth of food for the Open Doors pantry, all while in the midst of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Feeding 500 proved to be unique in that it was composed entirely of high-school aged students all willing to contribute their time and effort into making a difference in their community. What these youth accomplished in only a few months made it clear to all that bright minds put together for a cause could make a great change, regardless of age. Since its foundation in 2020, Feeding 500 has been wholly devoted towards young people doing great things through teamwork and a desire to give back to the world by improving the lives of others.

Feeding 500 now has a Darien chapter lead by a president and vice president. Following the same model, 6 team leaders are managing 15 students through 2021-2022 to raise money and food for Open Doors. We hope to do as well as Feeding 500 New Canaan!