Please Note
The information on this page was updated October 2025. However, hours and locations are subject to change. We recommend that you contact providers directly to confirm information before visiting.
The Town has recently set up a page with information about local food resources here: https://andoverma.gov/1623/Food-Resources-for-Andover-Residents.
Memorial Hall Library does not have a food assistance program but please ask at the reference desk if you need help contacting any of these resources.
If you need transportation to access these resources, Memorial Hall Library has Merrimack Valley Transit (MeVa) bus schedules and maps available, or visit mevatransit.com.
Hotline
Project Bread
Call or text Project Bread's hotline for up-to-date food resources in your area, or use the live chat feature on their webpage.
1-800-645-8333
TTY: 1-800-377-1292
Hotline Hours:
Monday - Friday | 8 AM - 7 PM
Saturday | 10 AM - 2 PM
Hot Meals
Bread & Roses
Provides a free hot meal with no eligibility requirements.
58 Newbury Street
Lawrence, MA
978-681-8768
Monday-Thursday | 4:00 PM-6:00 PM
Closed Friday through Sunday
The Robb Center
The Robb Center offers hot meals to seniors, Monday-Friday. A $3 donation is requested but a meal will not be denied to seniors unable to pay. Reservations are required 24 hours in advance by calling 978-623-8320. The Center's Meals on Wheels service to homebound seniors or disabled adults of any age continues.
30 Whittier Court
Andover, MA
978-623-8320
Monday - Friday | 12:00 PM (noon)
Common Ground
Offers a free cafe (daily), food pantry (monthly), and emergency food (by appointment only).
194 Winter Street
Haverhill, MA 01830
978-372-3336
Monday - Friday | 12:00 PM-3:30 PM (Cafe)
Saturday - Sunday | 7:00 AM-9:00 AM (Cafe)
Cor Unum
Offers a free daily breakfast and dinner, year round, with no eligibility requirements.
118 S. Broadway
Lawrence, MA
978-688-8900
7 days a week
Breakfast | 6:00 AM - 8:00 AM
Dinner | 4:30 PM -6:30 PM
Merrimack Valley YMCA
40 Lawrence Street
Lawrence, MA 01840
978-686-6191
Grab & Go Meals Monday-Friday (with additional meal given on Fridays for the weekend) | 3:00 – 5:00 PM
Food Pantry Thursdays 3:00 - 5:00 PM
Lazarus House
Offers a free soup kitchen with hot meals year-round, as well as a winter soup truck from January to March. No eligibility requirements.
Lazarus House Soup Kitchen
412 Hampshire Street
Lawrence, MA
Daily (Monday-Sunday)
Breakfast | 8:30 – 9:30 AM
Lunch | 11:30 AM – 1 PM
Lazarus House Winter Soup Truck
48 Holly Street
Lawrence, MA * stops at: Windsor House; Pemberton Park (Joseph W. Casey Bridge); Deacy House
January – March Hours:
Friday & Sunday | 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Food Pantries
Acord Food Pantry
https://www.acordfoodpantry.org/
Proof of residence in one of the six towns they serve is required: Essex, Hamilton, Ipswich, Manchester, Topsfield or Wenham.
69 Willow Street
South Hamilton, MA
978-468-7424
Wednesday | 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM
Thursday | 10:00 AM– 11:00 AM (Seniors 60+)
Thursday | 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Saturday | 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Ballardvale Community Food Pantry and Fridge
Ballardvale United Church
23 Clark Road, Andover
Hours: 24/7
Lawrence Community Fridge
https://lawrencefridge.neocities.org/
163 East Haverhill St
Lawrence, MA 01840
Online Contact Form
Hours: 24/7
Lawrence YMCA Food Pantry
https://www.mvymca.org/pantry/
40 Lawrence Street
Lawrence, MA 01840
978-686-6191
Thursdays | 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Lazarus House Food Pantry
Provides 4 days worth of emergency food every week with no eligibility requirements.
242 Hampshire Street
Lawrence, MA
978-332-5013
Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays | 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Neighbors In Need
https://needfood.org/get-help/
Provides food pantries for all who request it, with no eligibility requirements.
The People's Pantry
https://peoplesfoodpantry.org/
Food pantry every other Tuesday with no eligibility requirements. Provides refreshments and activities for children in addition to nonperishable goods.
190 Academy Road
North Andover, MA
978-687-7948
2nd and 4th Tuesday each month, except April which is the 3rd and 5th Tuesday, from 7:00-10:30 AM, year-round.
YMCA Mobile Food Pantry at the Robb Center
30 Whittier Court
Andover, MA
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM on the second Wednesday of the month.
SNAP Benefits
If you are struggling to afford food, you may be eligible for SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits. To find out more, call 1-877-382-2363 or visit GettingSNAP.org.
HIP Benefits
Massachusetts Health Incentives Program (HIP) puts money back on your EBT card when you use SNAP to buy healthy, local fruits and vegetables from HIP farm vendors. If you have SNAP benefits, you automatically also have HIP benefits. You can spend HIP at these local farm stands:
Farmer Dave's Stands
460 East St., Tewksbury
Call for times: 978-851-2048
437 Parker Rd., Dracut
Call for times: 978-349-1952
Andover Farmer's Market
Generally open Saturdays 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM from mid June to mid October.
Check website for specific dates and location: https://andoverfarmersmarket.com/food-assistance
Groundwork Lawrence Farmers Market
50 Island St., Entrance B., Lawrence