City of Methuen Launching Citywide Food Drive to Support Those Losing Federal SNAP Benefits Due to Government Shutdown

METHUEN — Mayor D.J. Beauregard, Director of Health, Human Services, and Inspections Caeli Tegan Zampach and Senior Activity Center Director Susan Riccio announce that the City of Methuen is launching a citywide food drive to support the 10,333 city residents who depend on SNAP assistance.

Those residents suddenly find that their food security is in jeopardy due to the ongoing federal government shutdown.

Beginning today, eight locations in Methuen, listed below, will collect donations of non-perishable food and paper products. The City is not able to accept monetary donations, so only non perishable food and paper products will be accepted.

Any Methuen resident who relies on SNAP assistance or other forms of government assistance, such as WIC, heating and fuel assistance, or veterans benefits, will be able to receive food collected during the drive beginning on Saturday, Nov. 1. The effort will continue until SNAP is fully funded again. Those who recently lost their job and those receiving unemployment assistance will also be provided with food if needed. 

The Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance reports that roughly 19 percent of all Methuen residents depend on SNAP benefits to feed their families, and local food pantries are already buckling as they try to keep their shelves stocked. 

“The federal government shutdown may seem like a Washington problem, but here it’s a Methuen problem. It is a problem for our neighbors, families, seniors, and children who are going to go hungry. Our city will not stand idly by and watch that happen,”  Mayor Beauregard said. “I call upon all of my fellow Methuen residents and community leaders: If you are able, please stand up and support your neighbors.” 

The Methuen Cares Food Drive will be modeled on the Methuen Cares community initiative that was launched during the COVID-19 pandemic by the late Mayor Neil Perry. 

During the pandemic, Methuen Cares collected both food, paper products, and personal protective equipment. The new version will be focused only on collecting food and paper products.

Donations of non-perishable food and paper products will be accepted at the following locations, during the following hours:

• Methuen City Hall/Searles Building – 41 Pleasant Street (Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Friday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.)
• Methuen Senior Activity Center – 77 Lowell Street (Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Saturday from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m.)
• Nevins Library – 305 Broadway (Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
• Quinn Public Safety Building/Methuen Police Department – 90 Hampshire Street (24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
• Central Fire Station/Methuen Fire Department – 24 Lowell Street (24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
• East End Fire Station/Methuen Fire Department – 154 Swan Street (24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
• North End Fire Station/Methuen Fire Department – 250 Howe Street (24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
• West End Fire Station/Methuen Fire Department – 1 Bean Street (24 hours a day, 7 days a week)

Beginning on Saturday, Nov. 1, anyone presenting proof that they were receiving SNAP or other government benefits will be able to pick up food and paper products at the Methuen Senior Activity Center, 77 Lowell St., depending on the availability of donations. Proof of Methuen residency will be required.

Residents will be able to pickup food and paper products on Saturday, Nov. 1 from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m., and on Wednesday, Nov. 5, from noon until 8 p.m., at the Senior Activity Center. Additional pickup times will be announced as donations of non-perishable food and paper products come in and supplies are assessed. Please note that food availability depends on donations received.

In addition, the City is developing a referral program with Debbie’s Treasure Chest for Methuen residents in need of clothing, hygiene products, and winter clothing.

“Access to nutritious food is the foundation of good health,” said Director Tegan Zampach. “When families struggle to put meals on the table, it impacts every aspect of their well-being, from physical health to mental and emotional stability. Ensuring our residents have access to food is one of the most essential ways we can protect the health of our community.”