Back to Helping Hands

Central Food Ministry: A Beacon of Hope in Lowell, MA

In 1994, members of the Lutheran Church of the Savior in Bedford, MA had a vision to make a real difference in their community. With the collaboration of Lowell businessmen, they established the Central Food Ministry (CFM). Originally located on Farmland Road, the ministry moved to its current location at 370 West Sixth Street in the late 1990s.

Today, Central Food Ministry is a registered non-profit dedicated to a noble mission: procuring and distributing food, clothing, supplies, and spiritual support to financially disadvantaged residents of Lowell, Massachusetts, and surrounding areas. 

What distinguishes CFM is its extraordinary volunteer base. The organization is run entirely by volunteers—around 60 dedicated individuals who collectively donate over 10,000 hours annually. Their relentless efforts aim to combat food insecurity in the community.

In 2024, CFM experienced a substantial rise in the number of families in need. From January to June, the charity provided food to 11,776 people in 3,389 families! Their mission is to ensure every family member gets a five-day food supply, with clients eligible to receive help every 30 days.

A significant reason families turn to Central Food Ministry is the quality and variety of the food offered. Beyond typical canned and shelf-stable items, they provide fresh fruits, vegetables, and a generous amount of meat. Additionally, they offer clothing and devotional materials to support their clients’ spiritual needs.

The impact of their efforts is evident in numerous daily “wins.” Imagine this: 30 times a day, a family with no food leaves their ministry with a car full of groceries. A man newly arrived from South America in November finds a warm winter coat. This August, CFM expects 200 more “wins” as they distribute school supplies-filled backpacks to families with school-age children.

Central Food Ministry strives to maximize every resource. With just a $1 donation, they can provide a day’s worth of food for one client.

To learn more about their mission or how you can contribute, visit www.cfministry.org.

Join Central Food Ministry in their mission to support and uplift the community—one meal, one coat, one backpack at a time.

Recent Winners

Lucy’s Legacy of Love: The Nonprofit That’s Redefining What Cancer Support Should Look Like
It Started with Lucy When 11-year-old Lucy Grogan was diagnosed with leukemia in 2002, she found herself in a battle
Lapointe Foundation Logo
Building a Brighter Future, One Smile at a Time: Meet the Lapointe Foundation
At MillTown, we believe that when you lift up a child, you lift up the whole community. That’s why we’re
Hidden Battles: Healing Heroes, One Connection at a Time
A Mission Born from Tragedy—Transformed into Hope It started with heartbreak. When Scott failed to hear from his brother Nicky
The people of MAN Inc. holding their Helping Hands donation from MillTown Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical
Building a Brighter Future: The Story of the Methuen Arlington Neighborhood, Inc.
Every great story starts with a spark—a moment that changes everything. For the Methuen Arlington Neighborhood, Inc. (MAN, Inc.), that
From Rescue to Rehoming: How the Lowell Humane Society Has Helped Pets Since 1873
We’re excited to share a heartwarming story about a recent charitable win! In an inspiring display of generosity, the Lowell
Celebrating a Win for the Friends of the J.V. Fletcher Library … and for Westford
At MillTown, our Helping Hands program is all about giving back to the community, and this time, we’re proud to
Ruff Tales Rescue: Saving Lives, One Dog at a Time
In an inspiring display of generosity, Ruff Tales Rescue and the Lowell Humane Society decided to split a $1,000 charitable

Areas In Mass We Service

Acton, MA
Andover, MA
Arlington, MA
Ayer, MA
Bedford, MA
Berlin, MA
Billerica, MA
Bolton, MA
Boxborough, MA
Burlington, MA
Carlisle, MA
Chelmsford, MA
Clinton, MA
Concord, MA
Devens, MA
Dracut, MA
Dunstable, MA
Fitchburg, MA
Georgetown, MA
Groton, MA
Groveland, MA
Harvard, MA
Haverhill, MA
Hudson, MA
Lancaster, MA
Lawrence, MA
Leominster, MA
Lexington, MA
Lincoln, MA
Littleton, MA
Lowell, MA
Lunenburg, MA
Marlborough, MA
Maynard, MA
Methuen, MA
North Andover, MA
North Billerica, MA
North Chelmsford, MA
North Reading, MA
Pepperell, MA
Reading, MA
Shirley, MA
Stoneham, MA
Stow, MA
Sudbury, MA
Tewksbury, MA
Townsend, MA
Tyngsborough, MA
Wakefield, MA
Waltham, MA
Wayland, MA
West Groton, MA
Westford, MA
Weston, MA
Wilmington, MA
Woburn, MA