Some of our students have to choose between food and textbooks

Welcome and Updates

Strive Pantry has moved!

We are pleased to announce that the pantry is now located at the Graduate Professional Studies Center! Visitors to the pantry will stop by the information desk on the 1st floor, where you will be greeted by staff and escorted to the pantry.

New Guest Registration Process:

UMass Lowell (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

  • Visit the information desk, where staff will escort you to the 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
  • There will be a 1 bag limit.  Guests are allowed to bring their own shopping bag but limit still applies

UMass Lowell (UML) Strive Pantry Hours and Location

Location: Graduate & Professional Studies Center (Strive pantry information desk, first floor)

Strive Pantry Hours

Fall 2024 Hours of Operation*:

  • Wednesdays: 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. and 4-6 p.m.
  • Fridays: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

*Hours will be updated for the fall semester by end of September.

The Strive Pantry will be closed on the following dates:

  • September 4 (Labor Day Holiday)
  • October 9 (Indigenous Peoples Day)
  • November 11 (Veteran's Day)
  • November 22 - 26 (Thanksgiving Recess)
  • December 22 - January 2 (Winter Recess)

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.