The ongoing federal government shutdown may disrupt Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits as early as November 1, 2025. While October benefits were distributed as usual, the federal government has warned states that full SNAP funding for November may not be available if the shutdown continues.
The Town of Andover is closely monitoring the situation and is coordinating with community and state partners to support residents who may be affected. This guide is intended to help individuals and families experiencing food insecurity, especially those who may temporarily not have access to SNAP benefits, identify resources and take steps to prepare.
If you or someone you know is in need, the following agencies and programs can provide support.
Daily Food Distribution
Village Food Hub Community Refrigerator & Pantry
Open 24/7 — No registration required
23 Clark Road, Andover – Fridge & lockers outside next to Ballardvale United Church
Andover, Lawrence & North Andover residents only. For for special dietary needs or homebound residents, please call (978) 566-3287.
Weekly Food Distribution Schedule
Tuesday
People’s Pantry – North Parish UU Church
190 Academy Road, North Andover
2nd & 4th Tuesdays — 7:00–10:30 AM
Entrance at rear of church. Call 978-687-7948 for info.
Neighbors in Need Pantry – Iglesia Adventista Del Septimo Dia Jerusalen
198 S. Broadway, Lawrence
9:00–10:30 AM
Neighbors in Need Pantry – First Church Congregational
26 Pleasant Street, Methuen
5:30 – 6:30 PM
Wednesday
Neighbors in Need Pantry – Neil Playstead
188 Lawrence Street, Methuen
9:00–10:30 AM
YMCA Mobile Food Pantry – Andover
Robb Senior Center, 30 Whittier Court, Andover
2nd Wednesday each month — 10:00 AM–12:00 PM
Thursday
Neighbors in Need Pantry – Neil Playstead
136 Water Street, Lawrence
9:00–10:30 AM
Neighbors in Need Pantry – Robb Center
Robb Senior Center, 30 Whittier Court, Andover
9:00–10:30 AM
Friday
Neighbors in Need Patry – Ministerio Apostolico Jesucristo es el Senor
96 E. Haverhill Street, Lawrence
9:00–10:30 AM
Saturday
Groundwork Lawrence – Winter Farmers Market (HIP Eligible)
50 Island Street, Entry B, Lawrence
2nd & 4th Saturdays — Nov 8, 2025 through May 23, 2026 — 10:00 AM–4:00 PM
The Robb Center offers a hot, nutritious lunch every Monday through Friday. Meals are free of charge for seniors ages 60 and older. For those who are able and inclined, a $3.00 anonymous suggested donation is accepted.
To help ensure enough meals are prepared, reservations are requested at least 24 hours in advance. Please call 978-623-8320 to sign up.
Village Food Hub is preparing Thanksgiving meals for residents in need this holiday season. Each ticket provides one individual meal, so households should request the number of meals needed for every person. To reserve a Thanksgiving meal, call 978-566-3287, or e-mail S.mcleod@villagefoodhub.org.
Pick-ups will take place on Wednesday, November 26 from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Village Food Hub, 23 Clark Road in Andover. Guests should use the lower parking lot entrance, entering through the door next to the pantry and following posted signs. Deliveries will also be available on Wednesday, November 26 between 12:30 PM and 2:00 PM. If there is no answer at the door, the meal will be left on the doorstep after a call is attempted to the phone number provided.
To reserve meals, residents will need to provide their name, phone number, email address, and delivery address if requesting delivery. Anyone with special delivery requirements or questions is encouraged to contact Village Food Hub by calling 978-566-3287 or emailing S.mcleod@villagefoodhub.org.
The Massachusetts Healthy Incentives Program (HIP) helps SNAP households buy fresh fruits and vegetables from participating farm stands and farmers markets. This program will still be available during the period in which SNAP benefits are impacted by the federal government shutdown.
To ensure continued access to HIP during the SNAP funding interruption, please keep at least $1.00 on your EBT card. This helps prevent your account from being flagged as inactive and ensures HIP transactions continue to process normally.
Click here to learn more about your HIP benefits.
Several local organizations are actively serving individuals and families experiencing food insecurity and welcome donations of non-perishable food items or financial contributions.
Donations may be made directly to:
Village Food Hub
23 Clark Road, Andover, MA 01810
978-475-2506
Neighbors in Need
60 Island Street, Lawrence, MA 01840
978-685-8321
North Parish UU Church – People’s Pantry
190 Academy Road, North Andover, MA 01845
978-687-7948
Town of Andover Food Drive
The Town of Andover will also collect non-perishable food donations for local distribution beginning October 31. Donations must be in unopened packaging only, and please no glass jars. Donation collection boxes will be:
Town Offices – First Floor Lobby
36 Bartlet Street, Andover
(main entrance)
Municipal Services Building
5 Campanelli Drive, Andover
Donation boxes will be clearly marked. The Town will not distribute food directly but will deliver all donated items to local nonprofit partners, including the Village Food Hub and others responding to increased food-assistance needs.
Dining and Cooking