Food Pantry
HOURS: TUESDAY – FRIDAY 10 AM - 5 PM, SATURDAY 9 AM - 4 PM | CLOSED SUN, MON & MAJOR HOLIDAYS
Nourish the body and the soul.
53,000. That’s the number of people Ginny’s Helping Hand served in 2024. And the number of those in need continues to climb!
Our Food Pantry provides fresh, frozen and shelf-stable groceries from scores of partners and supporters. Ginny’s staff and volunteers are committed to providing healthy food in a welcoming and respectful environment for every guest who comes through our doors.
Pantry Pick-Ups – Twice a month during normal hours
Each Guest Household is welcome to receive up to two (2) Pantry Pick-Ups each calendar month. Each Pantry Pick-Up consists of two (2) to four (4) bags of groceries, depending on what is in stock that day. When possible, larger households receive more portions of some items.
- You must wear a face mask when you are at Ginny’s Helping Hand
- Please bring tote bags or backpacks to transport your groceries
- We do not deliver groceries. If you are unable to come yourself, you may have a neighbor or friend pick up your groceries at Ginny’s Helping Hand, 52 Mechanic St, Leominster, MA.
Shelf Items
In addition to twice-monthly Pantry Pick-Ups, each household is welcome to select from whatever Shelf Items are available at the time. Shelf Items almost always include bread or rolls. Often there are other items as well, which may range from shelf-stable food to winter hats, to toiletries, to laundry detergent.
Specific Supplies
Sometimes Ginny’s has diapers, menstrual products, toiletries, cleaning supplies, and/or pet food for people in need. Guests are welcome to request these Specific Supplies, with the understanding that we may not have any available that day.
DID YOU KNOW?
Ginny’s has fresh produce, dairy, meat and other nutritious items, in addition to packaged foods.
What amazing work this organization is doing in its community. The referrals we have made speak highly of them! Thank you for upholding their dignity and needs. These are very trying times in our economy with high heating costs, rents, overall inflation is impacting everyone.
– Lisandra P.
Core Service Area
Who we serve.
In 2024, Ginny’s Helping Hand served over 53,000 people — and the need keeps growing.
Our Food Pantry offers fresh, frozen, and shelf-stable groceries thanks to the generosity of our partners (Worcester County Food Bank, Hannaford, Target, BJ’s, Walmart and more) and supporters. With compassion and respect, our staff and volunteers ensure everyone who visits is met with dignity and care.
Based in Leominster, we support individuals and families across North Central Massachusetts — and we never turn anyone away who needs food.
Our core service area includes:
- Ashburnham
- Ashby
- Athol
- Barre
- Clinton
- Fitchburg
- Gardner
- Groton
- Harvard
- Hubbardston
- Lancaster
- Leominster
- Lunenburg
- Orange
- Pepperell
- Petersham
- Phillipston
- Princeton
- Royalston
- Shirley
- Sterling
- Templeton
- Townsend
- Westminster
- Winchendon
Food Pantry FAQs
What information do I need to bring with me to receive free groceries?
Just bring yourself! Ginny’s Helping Hand follows the Federal Emergency Food Assistance Income Eligibility Guidelines, but we do not require proof of identity, citizenship, residency, or income. As a partner of the Worcester County Food Bank, we will ask you some questions about your household; click here for more information about those questions.
How often may I come to Ginny’s Helping Hand for free groceries?
Clients can pick-up groceries two (2) times each calendar month. Whiteboard and/or Shelf Items are available on other days.
Do I need an appointment to get free groceries at Ginny’s?
No. Simply visit the Food Pantry during our normal hours.
Can you accommodate my food restrictions?
We do our best to accommodate individual needs, but we cannot promise to provide specific groceries on specific days.
May I select my own groceries at Ginny’s?
No. Ginny’s offers pre-bagged groceries based on what is available.
Can someone carry my groceries to my car or taxi?
If you need assistance, please call Ginny’s in advance of your visit to learn if a volunteer will be available to help. Please note that we cannot take appointments.
How can I help support the Food Pantry at Ginny’s?
Click here for information
What kinds of food donations do you accept?
Click here for information
General FAQs
What are your hours?
Where should I park when I come to Ginny’s?
Parking is available on both sides of Mechanic Street and a few spaces on Mechanic Street close to Ginny’s front door. Please do not block Ginny’s loading dock.
Is Ginny’s ADA accessible?
Yes! As of April 2022, thanks to the George R. Wallace Foundation, the front door to Ginny’s has an electric lift next to the stairs.
Do you need volunteers at Ginny’s?
Ginny’s Helping Hand operates with a mix of volunteers and paid staff. If you are interested in volunteering, please complete the Volunteer Application Form.
Can I get to Ginny’s using public transportation?
By bus:
Take a MART bus to Monument Square in downtown Leominster. It is approximately a three-minute walk (2 blocks) to Ginny’s Helping Hand at 52 Mechanic Street.
By Commuter Rail:
Use the North Leominster Train Station and take the MART Bus to Monument Square in downtown Leominster. It is approximately a three-minute walk (2 blocks) to Ginny’s Helping Hand at 52 Mechanic Street.
