If your family is struggling with SNAP funding on hold, you’re not alone — and Greater Lowell is full of organizations ready to help. We’ve rounded up local resources where you can find free groceries, community meals, and kid-friendly food programs to make things a little easier. Note that most of these organizations will request an ID and a proof of residency, such as a utility bill.
Local Food Pantries and Food Banks
- Billerica Community Pantry, 11 Concord Rd, Billerica. Limited to Billerica residents. Distributions on select Mondays, Tuesdays and Saturdays. Recipients must register in advance.
- Chelmsford Food Pantry, 50 Rear Billerica Rd, Chelmsford (beige trailer). Distributions Wednesdays to Fridays.
- Accepting donations of funds, food (Thursdays 10:30-1 and 6:30-7:45), and volunteer time)
- Dracut Food Pantry, 1934 Lakeview Ave, Dracut. Distributions on the 4th Saturday and 4th Monday of most months. For Dracut residents or non-residents referred by a Dracut church.
- Donations can be left at Dracut Town Hall, Dracut Library, and local grocery stores.
- Merrimack Valley Food Bank has 15+ food distribution locations in Lowell
- Central Food Ministry, 370 West 6th St, Lowell. Food distribution Tuesdays to Thursdays. Call to schedule an appointment.
- Donations of non-perishable food accepted Tuesdays to Thursdays 9 am to 1:30 pm or Thursdays 7-8 pm.
- Open Pantry of Greater Lowell, 200 Central St, Lowell. Food distribution Mondays to Thursdays 8:45 to 11:45 am.
- Catholic Charities, 70 Lawrence St, Lowell. Food distribution Mondays to Thursdays 1:00 to 3:30 pm.
- Tewksbury Food Pantry, 999 Whipple Rd, Tewksbury. For Tewksbury residents. Recipients must register in advance for monthly distributions.
- Westford Food Pantry, 20 Pleasant St, Westford. Westford residents may receive food once per week, residents of certain other communities (see website) may receive food twice every other week. Food distribution on Wednesday evenings and Friday mornings.
- Donations may be dropped off Monday to Friday 9 am to 4 pm.
Community Meals & Free Food Events
- St. Paul's Soup Kitchen, 273 Summer St, Lowell offers weekday meals from 5:00 to 5:45 pm.
- Congregational Church of Littleton holds a Neighborhood Supper every Tuesday evening from 5:30-6:30 pm.
Blessing Boxes, Little Free Pantries, & Community Fridges
These small, take-what-you-need spots are stocked by neighbors and open 24/7. Do you know of a Little Free Pantry or other community-run free food spot? Please send the details via email to barbarae@macaronikid.com and I will add here.
 Lisa | Canva |
💕 Ways to Help Others
If your family is in a position to give back, many of these groups welcome donations or volunteers. Food donations or your time helping stock shelves can make a real difference.
Market Basket, Stop & Shop and most churches have food pantry donation boxes located in their entrance door areas.
The most needed items include:
- Canned vegetables, fruit, meat and tuna
- Canned beans and baked beans
- Canned pastas
- Macaroni and cheese mixes
- Jelly/jam
- Peanut butter
- Pasta sauce
- Rice and pasta
- Baking ingredients (flour, sugar)
- Condiments (ketchup, mayonnaise, mustard)
- Shampoo/soap and other personal care items
- Coffee/tea
- 100% fruit juice/juice boxes
- Canned or instant soups
- Snacks
- Vegetable oil
- Cereal and oatmeal (regular or instant)
- Paper products
- Baby food and diapers
Macaroni KID Lowell MA is here to support local families — whether it’s finding fun things to do or helping when times are tough.
