Lowell – Local food banks and food pantries are anticipating unprecedented levels of demand in November as SNAP benefits will be delayed for up to 32,000 Lowell residents due to the ongoing federal government shutdown. These organizations typically face high demand for services in November in a regular year, as people prepare for Thanksgiving and begin to face home heating expenses as well. This combination has food pantries and meal programs worried about whether they will have enough food to feed those in need this month.

In response to this crisis, the Merrimack Valley Food Bank will host an emergency city-wide food drive in partnership with the City of Lowell, the Merrimack Valley Central Labor Council, the Greater Lowell Chamber of Commerce, Revolutionary Valley, Rockland Trust, State Representative Rodney Elliott, State Representative Tara Hong, and State Representative Vanna Howard.

Food and grocery gift cards can be dropped off Monday 11/3 – Friday 11/7 at the Merrimack Valley Food Bank (1703 Middlesex Street, Lowell), Lowell City Hall, Revolutionary Valley, and the Rockland Trust locations on Merrimack Street and Gorham Street. On Saturday 11/8, donations can be dropped off at the Merrimack Valley Food Bank from 9am-1pm or at Cawley Memorial Stadium from 9am-11am. Financial donations are also needed, and can be made online at www.mvfb.org.

All food collected will be distributed to the member agencies of the Merrimack Valley Food Bank – a network of food pantries and meals programs serving those in need in our community.

“These are really challenging times for our neighbors who rely on SNAP benefits or are struggling to make ends meet,” says MVFB Executive Director Debbie Callery. “Our phones have been ringing off the hook with people calling because they are scared they won’t be able to feed their families. Usually this time of year we have a lot of people calling looking for help with Thanksgiving dinner, but this year people are more concerned about just meeting their basic daily needs. We need our community to help us ensure that all of our neighbors are fed.”

For more information about the Merrimack Valley Food Bank, visit www.mvfb.org or follow MVFB on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. People who need help finding food can visit MVFB’s website for a list of food pantries and other available resources and can also call or text the Project Bread FoodSource Hotline at 1-800-645-8333.