Mill City Grows hosting Annual Seed Swap this month

lowell » Garden enthusiasts looking to get their crops started for the spring season will have the chance to see some new seeds later this month.

Mill City Grows, the local nonprofit supporting food security throughout Lowell, is hosting its Annual Seed Swap on Saturday, March 27, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. This year’s event will take place inperson and outdoors in the parking lot at 19 Hall St. with health and safety protocols in place to prevent any spread of the coronavirus. Residents are encouraged to bring a variety of seeds for exchange, along with learning more about MCG’S Community Garden Program and 2021 Virtual Event Series that features workshops in Microgreen and Mushroom cultivation. There will also be a special panel discussion on Food Ways and Food Systems in Massachusetts.

“We have a great amount of seeds available for our community members, and we encourage Seed Swap guests to bring their own seeds to share,” Mill City Grows Gardens Manager Enrique Vargas said in a statement. “This is one of our oldest community events, and I feel it’s one of the most important as it kickstarts the growing season!”

Attendees will be asked to peruse seed tables one at a time to ensure the safety of others at the event, along with wearing masks and social distancing. Hand sanitizing stations will be at the event for attendees to use if need be.

The event is free and open to the public. Those interested in attending should contact Enrique Vargas at enrique@millcitygrows.org or call 978455-2620.

Tewksbury, Lowell 5 offer aid to residents harmed by pandemic

tewksbury » The town is offering rent and mortgage assistance to households affected by the coronavirus. The town has partnered with the Lowell Five Charitable Foundation and is using CARES Act funding for the program.

Tewksbury residents who have been harmed by the pandemic and are overdue on rent or mortgage payments can