The Open Pantry welcomes those in need, no matter their situation. Assistance is offered to individuals and families without any discrimination based on race, creed, or country of origin.
WE SERVE CLIENTS TWICE A MONTH
Clients are eligible to receive a ‘standard’ order of food once a month and also a second smaller order.
DO YOU LIVE IN GREATER LOWELL?
We serve individuals and families residing in the following communities:
– Lowell
– Billerica
– North Billerica
– Chelmsford
– North Chelmsford
– Dracut
– Tewksbury
– Tyngsborough
– Westford
– Wilmington
If you live in a different Massachusetts community, you can find similar services through Project Bread’s FoodSource Hotline at 1-800-645-8333.
Here are other community resources in Greater Lowell such as other food pantries, meal programs, and other resources.
PAPERWORK
Clients are requested to bring the following items each time they visit The Open Pantry:
(1) Identification for every member of the household being claimed is helpful, but not required. You will be asked for the name of each person in the household.
(2) Proof of Address is requested for the head of household from the last 90 days. Name, date, and address is required for your proof of residence. If you are homeless, simply let us know.
Please visit The Open Pantry even if you do not have these items so we can provide additional resources and at least an ‘emergency’ order of food for you and your family.
SOME TIPS BEFORE VISITING
Please bring reusable bags for your orders whenever possible.
We are busier towards the end of the month so please expect a longer wait-time. While some us can speak Spanish, Khmer, & Portuguese, we recommend bringing an interpreter or translator with you when necessary.
Unfortunately, we do not have public restrooms or free parking for clients at this time. However, our Wednesday evening clients can park at parking meters. For those of you who need it, we have a limited amount of taxi vouchers to get you and your order of food home.
WHAT TO EXPECT
When you enter The Open Pantry, clients need to take a number by the office because we serve on a first-come basis. Please come at least 30 minutes before we close. We have a waiting room available, which sometimes has donations (books, bags, toys, etc) available to clients. It is recommended to have your required paperwork ready while you are waiting. Please help us keep our spaces clean.
Once your number is called, you meet with a volunteer staff member who takes you through an intake process. We collect your required paperwork and may ask to see a picture ID. We ask you specific questions in order to collect data (DOB, sources of income, demographic info) needed for the organization.
We also ask if you or other household members have any food allergies or diet restrictions. You can request specific items, and if we have them available for your household size, we will provide them in your order. If you are given anything you will not use, please return them to us so we can re-stock and provide them to another household.
We offer to pack your orders either in bags or boxes, but we prefer you bring in your own reusable bags to help us cut costs. Whenever possible, some volunteers may also help walk your orders out to your car.
If you have any questions or concerns, please speak with staff or someone from our team of volunteers. You can also email us at info @theopenpantry.org
We also provide an anonymous suggestion box in the client waiting area. We will do our best to answer your questions and address your concerns.
No appointment is needed.
We ask that clients arrive at The Open Pantry at least 30 minutes before we close.
Contact us at (978) 453-6693 or info @theopenpantry.org with any additional questions you may have.