Some of our students have to choose between food and textbooks

Welcome and Updates

Strive Pantry Re-Location Update:

We are excited to announce that we will be moving to a larger space, located in the Graduate Professional Studies Center! We will be moving early summer 2023! The UML Strive program will communicate details of the opening of the new space later time in late May, 2023. Please continue to visit our website and follow us on social media for updated information.


New Guest Registration Process:

UML Strive is excited to introduce our new registration system, PantrySoft! All new guests to the UML Strive pantry will be required to register through the PantrySoft Portal. this is a one-time registration and will only need to sign-in each time you visit the pantry.

Student Login: You will begin the registration process by entering your UMass Lowell (UML) email credentials and password, you will then be prompted to complete the registration process.

Staff / Faculty Login: First time users, you will register through clicking the sign-on option, prompted to complete your profile and registration.

PantrySoft Portal Page


When Visiting the UML Strive Pantry

  • Have your UML U-CARD ready, if prompted to show staff (Pantry is only open to UML Campus Community)
  • Please follow guidelines as it pertains to set limits to items in the pantry or defer to staff for direction
  • Please only limit to one visit per week, this ensures that items can be accessible to as many guests as possible

UMass Lowell (UML) Strive Pantry Hours and Location

Location: University Crossing 104 (first floor near the Solution Center)

Strive Pantry Hours

Summer Hours of Operation*:

  • Mondays: 1-6 p.m.
  • Wednesdays: 1-6 p.m.
  • Thursdays: 1-6 p.m.
  • Fridays: 1-4 p.m.

*Summer hours may change based on staffing availability.

The Strive Pantry will be closed on the following dates:

  • June 19
  • July 3-5

See our Donating and Planning a Drive page for more information about giving.

History of the UMass Lowell (UML) Food Pantry

The current location of the food pantry at University Crossing would not have been possible without the work of the Navigators, a student organization at UMass Lowell. The Navigator organization, based on a limited budget and resources started the food pantry, but as food insecurity amongst students grew, there was a greater need of a larger space.

In 2016, through a partnership with Student Affairs the pantry was relocated to its current location. The food pantry provides access to ensure that those who are experiencing hunger can have that need met. This could not have been possible without support of the Navigator organization.

In 2022, through the launch of UML Strive, we also renamed the pantry to the UML Strive Pantry. As challenges increase of our students unable to maintain their basic life needs, came the need for additional resources. The pantry will continue to serve those in need of food but also personal care products, infant care needs, and clothing.

Additional Support Resources

Information about the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

Many students are eligible for SNAP benefits but don’t know about it. SNAP, formerly known as Food Stamps, provides a monthly benefit to buy nutritious foods. To get SNAP, you must be low-income and be a U.S. citizen or legal noncitizen (restrictions apply). Eligibility for SNAP benefits depends on financial and non financial criteria.

To contact the Department of Transitional Assistance about SNAP, call the DTA Assistance Line at 877-382-2363 or visit the SNAP website to see if you are eligible.