guides

COVID-19 Pandemic Community Resources in Greater Lowell

By Barbara Evangelista, Publisher May 19, 2022


We've assembled a list of community resources and information for those in Greater Lowell who are struggling after the COVID-19 shut downs.  We'll continue to add to it as we find additional resources.


Have you or a family member been laid off due to the pandemic?

Review this overview of unemployment changes and then head to the Dept of Unemployment Assistance's page on COVID-19  https://www.mass.gov/resource/information-on-unemployment-and-coronavirus-covid-19

The United Way is offering “one-time grants of up to $2000” to “help families impacted by the COVID-19 crisis meet their basic food, childcare or housing needs.” You can dial 2-1-1 for information on where you can access flexible funds through the COVID-19 Family Support Fund. For information on how to donate, visit https://unitedwaymassbay.org/get-involved/covid-19-family-fund/.  If you need help, go to https://unitedwaymassbay.org/resources/need-help/


Are your kids on the public school lunch program?

Billerica: Curbside Student Grab & Go Meals are available to all Billerica students regardless of eligibility. We are currently serving students Monday - Friday from 9-11am at BMHS. Please see information below and don't forget to enter the student drop off via Good Street.  Facebook post with details

Chelmsford: Beginning Wednesday March 18, 2020, between the hours of 4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m., parents and/or students may pick-up “grab-and-go” type meals at Chelmsford High School located at 200 Richardson Road. Any child/student/family in need of a meal may participate in this free program. Food will be provided curb-side – vehicles should enter the main school driveway and line up at the front of the school for service – please abide by on-site signage.

Dracut: Grab and go meals will be available from Monday to Friday 8 AM to 12 PM at three school locations.  Please bring the children's school ID numbers which are used for the Food Service department.  See more details.

  • Dracut High School, 1540 Lakeview Ave
  • Greenmont Elementary, 37 Greenmont Ave
  • Campbell Elementary, 1021 Methuen St

Groton: Free lunches for families who receive free and reduced price lunch at school for the duration of the three week closure.  Pick up is from 10 AM to 12 PM at Middle school South building.  Please email lchesson@gdrsd.org or pstlaurent@gdrsd.org to make arrangements for pick up and for more details.

Littleton:  LPS has "to go" meals. Pick-up via drive-through at Littleton High School, 8-10 am on Tuesday and Thursday. Please drive up to LHS Main Entrance. Staff will be there. If unable to pick up meals, call 978-540-2500 for delivery.

Lowell:  Meal distribution will be at 9 sites during the weekdays while school is closed.  All students ages 2-18 are eligible for this lunch program. Students don’t have to be present to pick up a meal. A parent or neighbor can pick up the student’s lunch.  The times and locations are subject to change, so please check this page for any updates: https://www.lowell.k12.ma.us/Page/3776 Lunch service is available at the following times/locations:

  • Bartlett School (11-11:30 am), 79 Wannalancit St.
  • Butler School (12:45-1:30 pm), 1140 Gorham St.
  • Greenhalge School (10:30-11 am), 149 Ennell St.
  • Lincoln School (1:30-2 pm), 300 Chelmsford St.
  • Moody School (12-12:30 pm), 158 Rogers St.
  • Murkland School (12:45-1:15 pm), 350 Adams St.
  • Pawtucketville School (12-12:30 pm), 425 West Meadow Rd.
  • Robinson School (11:15-11:45 am), 110 June St.
  • STEM Academy/Rogers* (10:30 am-1 pm), 43 Highland St.  *STEM meal service will be available at back door at the kitchen loading dock area off South St.

Tewksbury: Grab and Go lunches can be picked up at the North Street School, Monday to Friday, 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM.  Updates at https://www.facebook.com/feedingfuture/

Westford:  Westford Public Schools will be providing bag lunches to WPS students starting on Thursday, March 19, 2020 from 10 am-12 pm. Lunches can be picked up at Westford Academy. Please be advised that the only food allergy that can be accommodated is gluten-free. Please enter Westford Academy by the granite blocks (when looking at the building, the blocks are to the right side). Park in the student lot. There will be a sign identifying the Grab and Go location.


Is your family food-insecure?

Call Project Bread's Foodsource Hotline 800-645-8333

See this very complete list of local food pantries on the Merrimack Valley Food Bank's website


Do you run a small business that is struggling?

Learn about the SBA's Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program

Learn about Massachusetts resources for small businesses

A helpful list of business resources from EforAll


Do you need free or low-cost internet at home due to library closures?

Comcast offers an Internet Essentials plan with no contract for $10 a month, free for the first two months.  You must meet certain income qualifications.


Do you have other needs?  

Visit the LIfting Lowellians: Assistance and Mutual Aid network Facebook page and fill out their form to request help. As others in the community sign up to help, your request will hopefully be filled.





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