During the holiday season and winter months, there is always an uptick in the number of families needing assistance at local food banks. This year, with SNAP benefits delayed and federal employees not getting paid, that need is even greater.
The citywide food drive was planned to collect donations for God’s Pantry Food Bank and the Family Care Center of Lexington. Kacy Allen-Bryant is Lexington’s Commissioner of Social Services.
"As I walked through the Family Care Centers halls on Friday," Allen-Bryant said, "I thought about the potential 50 to 60% of the center's family who already need extra support accessing food. We anticipate that number rising," Allen-Bryant said. "A bag of groceries means more than just a meal. It means relief. It means comfort. It means knowing that their community sees them and cares."
The initiative is a collaboration between the mayor’s office, Lexington police and fire departments, the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office, and other Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government divisions as well as God’s Pantry Food Bank, which serves 50 counties in central and eastern Kentucky.
You can donate any non-perishable food items at designated blue barrels at various locations throughout the month or help with a monetary donation.
HOW TO DONATE:
- Monetary donations: https://www.godspantry.org/?form=LexingtonsBigGive
- Or drop off food here - interactive map of drop-off locations: https://bit.ly/LexBigGive.
- Lexington police officers or Fayette County Sheriff’s Deputies, as part of their regular duties out in the community, can accept donations.
REQUESTED UNOPENED, NON-PERISHABLE FOOD ITEMS:
Proteins:
- Canned/pouched tuna
- Canned chicken, pork, beef
- Peanut butter
- Beans
- Shelf-stable egg substitute
Vegetables:
- Canned tomato products: diced, sauce, whole, paste
- Canned peas, spinach, green beans, corn
Fruits:
- Canned apples, peaches, pineapple, pears, pumpkin
- Fruit cups
- Dried fruits
Starches:
- Canned and instant potatoes
- Macaroni and cheese
- Dried pasta
- White and brown rice
Pantry Items:
- Powdered and canned milk
- Shelf stable cheese products
- Seasonings and spices
- Condiments and sauces
Breakfast Foods:
- Cereal
- Oatmeal
- Grits
- Granola bars
- Biscuit and pancake mixes
DROP-OFF LOCATIONS INCLUDE:
Public Safety Offices
- Fire Station #1: 219 E Third St
- Fire Station #2: 1276 Eastland Dr
- Fire Station #3: 370 Merino St
- Fire Station #4: 246 Jefferson St
- Fire Station #5: 300 Woodland Ave
- Fire Station #6: 501 S Limestone
- Fire Station #7: 3307 Tates Creek Rd
- Fire Station #8: 1725 N Broadway
- Fire Station #9: 2234 Richmond Rd
- Fire Station #10: 1138 Finney Dr
- Fire Station #11: 1626 Harrodsburg Rd
- Fire Station #12: 399 Southland Dr
- Fire Station #13: 1432 Leestown Rd
- Fire Station #14: 1530 Roanoke Rd
- Fire Station #15: 3308 Shillito Park Rd
- Fire Station #16: 3700 Man O' War Blvd
- Fire Station #17: 4075 Royster Rd
- Fire Station #18: 1098 S Cleveland Rd
- Fire Station #19: 3360 Huffman Mill Pk
- Fire Station #20: 3001 Arrowhead Dr
- Fire Station #21: 3191 Mapleleaf Dr
- Fire Station #22: 4393 Clearwater Way
- Fire Station #23: 5751 Briar Hill Rd (Bldg19 Bluegrass Sta.)
- Fire Station #24: 2754 Magnolia Springs Dr
- Lexington Police Headquarters: 150 E Main St
- West Sector Police Roll Call: 1795 Old Frankfort Pk
- Central Sector Police Roll Call: 1020 Industry Rd
- East Sector Police Roll Call: 4385 Clearwater Way
- Fayette County Sheriff’s Office: 150 N Limestone (Courthouse Lobby and #265)
God’s Pantry Food Banks:
- God's Pantry Food Bank: 2201 Innovation Dr and 817 Winchester Rd
Government Buildings:
- Government Center: 200 E Main St
- Phoenix Building: 101 E Vine St
- Fayette County Clerk's Office: 162 E Main St (1st & 2nd Floor)
- Lexington Senior Center: 195 Life Ln
- Family Care Center: 1135 Harry Sykes Way
