The Open Pantry is always in need of non-perishables which could be considered a nutritious part of a meal.
These include:
Canned vegetables, canned fruits, fruit juices, canned beef, turkey or chicken, canned soups and stews, tuna, pasta, cereals, powdered milk, macaroni & cheese, rice, spaghetti sauce, peanut butter, and beans.
Frozen turkeys, whole chickens, and ham/canned ham are all welcome during the holidays.
In addition, we distribute toiletries including: soap, toilet paper, tissues, paper towels, toothpaste, and shampoo. At times, we may also provide diapers, wipes, baby formula, baby food, and cat/dog food when available.
Please help us by making sure all food donations are safe to consume by our constituents by checking expiration dates, food safety alerts, and the condition of the product(s) before dropping off.
VOLUNTEER!
Your help is needed to stock shelves, pack food orders, and assist with the many duties of the Pantry. Join The Open Pantry family and make a difference in the community.
Volunteers can donate one hour or many hours of their time, depending on their schedule.
We are actively recruiting new volunteers for the following roles:
• Welcoming Host: Greet clients and answer any questions they may have while waiting to be served.
• Intake: Meet with clients to help fill out necessary paperwork and ask about specific diet restrictions/allergies.
• Database/Intake Administrator: Use Microsoft Access to record client info in our database and other administrative duties for our food pantry operations.
• Food Packer: Fill orders for clients.
• Stocker: Unload and shelve food. Help with other heavy lifting (i.e. upcoming move, food drives, etc)
• Food Transporter: Transport food from food banks and other locations, as needed, with our box truck.
• Food Drive Coordinator: Coordinate food drives.
• Board of Director: Serve as a Member of the Board of Directors.
• Committee Member (coming soon!): Fundraising, Personnel, Communications/Social Media, Food Security
RIDE FOR THE OPEN PANTRY
Join our cycling team and/or sponsor us for the RiverRide Bike-a-thon and Family Fun Ride for future years. Email us at info @ theopenpantry.org or call us at (978) 453-6693 if interested.
DONATE MONEY FOR OPERATIONAL SUPPORT
Money is used for operations, administration, and to purchase food, which is not always available through donations. All donations go to the ongoing support of the Open Pantry’s services, and your contributions are tax-deductible.
Checks can be made payable to The Open Pantry of Greater Lowell and mailed to:
The Open Pantry
PO Box 7258
Lowell, MA 01852
If you would like to discuss planned giving or other ways you can give to and support The Open Pantry, please email us at info @theopenpantry.org or visit us, contact us.
Please know that all support is greatly appreciated. We are also happy to accept donations in honor or in memory of your loved ones.