Lowell Police Department Food Drive to Benefit Merrimack Valley Food Bank

LOWELL — Superintendent Greg Hudon reports that the Lowell Police Department will be collecting non-perishable food items as part of a food drive to benefit the Merrimack Valley Food Bank (MVFB)

From Friday, Nov. 1, until Nov. 22, Lowell Police will collect non-perishable food items in the lobby of the police station at 50 Arcand Drive. A box for donations will be located in the lobby. 

Items that are needed include peanut butter and jelly, pasta, rice, tomato and pasta sauce, beans and baked beans, canned fruit and vegetables, canned tuna and chicken, soup, coffee, tea, cereal, oatmeal, cake and brownie mixes, healthy snacks, juice boxes and supermarket gift cards.

Items that are needed specifically for Thanksgiving meals include stuffing and gravy, canned or boxed potatoes, cranberry sauce, canned pumpkin and squash, assorted vegetables, cake mixes, pie crusts and filling, brownie and cookie mixes, bread mixes, pudding and Jello, and coffee and tea. 

No glass containers can be accepted, nor can homemade canned goods. All items must contain ingredients and nutrition information and must not be expired. Lowell Police cannot accept any perishable items, such as fresh or frozen turkeys. 

All of the food collected will be donated to the Merrimack Valley Food Bank in time for Thanksgiving.

The Merrimack Valley Food Bank, founded in 1991, has delivered over 63 million pounds of food to families throughout the Merrimack Valley and operates six hunger relief programs. 

“The Lowell Police Department aims to be a resource for the entire community, and that includes those in Lowell who suffer from food insecurity,” said Superintendent Hudon. “I encourage residents to make a donation and help us help hungry families in need in time for this holiday season.”

MVFB Executive Director Debbie Callery notes that the Food Bank serves more than 70,000 people a month.

“This is only possible because of support from our community, both in monetary gifts and in food drives like this one,” said Callery. “The LPD has always been a great partner to MVFB, and the food they collect over the next few weeks will brighten the holiday season for local families who are struggling to make ends meet.”

To learn more about the Merrimack Valley Food Bank, visit: https://mvfb.org/.