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 at New Canaan High School as a way to get high school students in Fairfield county more involved in community efforts in and around Open Doors. After raising over $10,000 in its first year, Feeding 500 has now begun to expand throughout Fairfield County. Started by Lucy Brennan in the Fall of 2021, the Darien chapter of Feeding 500 has continued the original goal of F500 by raising money, food, and volunteering in the community.