Some of our students have to choose between food and textbooks

The UML Strive Pantry provides emergency food items to UMass Lowell community members who do not have access to food or additional resources. The pantry is a supplemental resource, and guests are encouraged to utilize additional food pantries within the Lowell area. The Strive Pantry provides food items, personal care products, school supplies, and case management support to address challenges students are having in meeting their basic needs. If you are a student experiencing challenges accessing food resources, please email: uml_strive@uml.edu.

The Strive Pantry is located at the Graduate and Professional Studies (GPS) Center! Guests to the pantry will stop by the information desk on the first floor, where you will be greeted by staff and escorted to the pantry. The Strive pantry is only accessible to the UMass Lowell (UML) campus community.

Students can also visit additional campus pantries.

The UML Strive Pantry is supported through a partnership with the Merrimack Valley Food Bank, from which we receive the majority of our food donations.

Tour the UML Strive Pantry

  • :00 Music plays with the text: UML Strive Pantry, Instagram logo with @UMASSLOWELL
  • :01-:30 Montage of scenes from across the Strive Pantry showing things including: freezers and refrigerators with food, shelves of dry goods, canned goods, grains, proteins, breakfast items, feminine hygiene items and much more.
  • :31-:34 sound effect with Instagram logo and @UMASSLOWELL

Registering for UML Strive Food Pantry

You will begin the registration process by entering your UMass Lowell email credentials and password, you will then be prompted to complete the registration process. You will be required to submit a new registration prior to the fall semester each academic year.

PantrySoft Portal

Guest Online Portal: Guests will now be able to place online orders and schedule their pick-up day at the Strive Pantry. It will be required to submit an online order for specific items that we carry in the pantry. We will always welcome in-person visits for guests to shop for their additional needs.

When Visiting the UML Strive Pantry

  1. Visit the information desk, where staff will escort you to the pantry.
  2. Have your UMass Lowell UCard ready, if prompted to show staff. (The Pantry is only open to UML Campus Community.)
  3. Please follow guidelines as it pertains to set limits to items in the pantry or defer to staff for direction.
  4. Please only limit to one visit per week, this ensures that items can be accessible to as many guests as possible.
  5. There will be a 2 bag limit. Guests are allowed to bring their own shopping bag but limit still applies.

The current location of the pantry is in the Graduate & Professional Studies Center. Previously, in 2013, it was located in University Crossing, which 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.

2026 Fall Hours

The Strive Pantry is located at the Graduate Professional Studies (GPS) Center. Guests to the pantry should stop by the information desk on the first floor, where they will be greeted by staff and escorted to the pantry.

Starting the week of September 7

The pantry will temporarily be open for pickup only.

Hours for the fall semester will be posted later this month.

If you cannot visit the pantry during open times, please email: uml_strive@uml.edu to schedule an appointment.

Please visit our community resources page to view local food pantries in the area for when the Strive Pantry is closed.