Sunrise Project will stop meal deliveries and close its porch pantry when this year closes out in hopes of fostering more shared spaces for community to thrive.
The porch pantry’s final day open will be Dec. 31. Meal delivery service will also come to an end in 2025 to “bring more people to us, to socially connect,” according to a post on the organization’s Instagram page.
The Lawrence nonprofit designed to couple social connections with food equity announced in August that it would have to move from its current headquarters at 1501 Learnard Ave., due to a change in the property’s ownership. Melissa Freiburger, Sunrise Project co-founder and executive director, said the mission will continue.
“Sunrise Project is much more than one program or one building,” Freiburger said via email. “We are relationships, connection, joy and community care.”
Although there’s not yet a timeline for moving, Sunrise Project will ease into the transition after the new year begins.
“The porch pantry and meal deliveries were pandemic adaptations that we have kept for the past 4+ years and we are proud of all we have accomplished through those activities,” Freiburger said. “We are excited to continue serving community meals, stewarding community growing spaces, offering free cafes and working with youth in classrooms.”
The community garden will relocate in spring 2025, but the organization is still working to find a new location. Orchards located in East Lawrence will remain, and the Food Rocket program for students will continue.
In-person community meals will continue on the first and third Wednesdays of every month, with the exception of holidays. Beginning in January, the cafe will be open during one Sunday every month, with activities to be announced.
Freiburger said people can best support Sunrise Project by attending events — and even better, bringing family and friends along.
Information about volunteering opportunities are available at sunriseprojectks.org/volunteer. Donations can be made at sunriseprojectks.org/donate.
Stay up-to-date on Sunrise Project’s Instagram page, @thesunriseproject, and Facebook page.
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Maya Hodison (she/her), equity reporter, can be reached at mhodison@lawrencekstimes.com. Read more of her work for the Times here. Check out her staff bio here.
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