Nonprofit, Lexington library partner to fight hunger. How to access new food pantry
God’s Pantry Food Bank Inc. opened a food pantry inside Lexington Public Library’s Northside Branch Tuesday in an effort to combat food insecurity.
“This additional food pantry expands our valued partnership with Lexington Public Library and provides neighbors living in Lexington’s Northside with a close, convenient and welcoming place to find help when experiencing hunger,” according to a post on God’s Pantry’s Facebook page.
Anne Donworth, the director of development, marketing and communications at Lexington Public Library, said the library and God’s Pantry have worked together for many years providing after-school snacks for children, but recognized there was “a lot more adult hunger,” as well.
Donworth said God’s Pantry had been trying to find a space in the Winburn area for a long time and the Northside Branch had a space that was being underutilized, which was how the idea for the library pantry came about.
“It’s essentially a model where people can shop and pick out what items they actually want or need, as opposed to being given a box of whatever happens to be available,” she said about the pantry’s setup.
Donworth said people can show up to the library and do not need to have a formal referral or an appointment in order to utilize this food pantry. When people walk into the library, the pantry is to the left, Donworth said.
Additionally, she said the library is hoping having the pantry in the branch will eliminate some barriers, such as transportation and access, as well as some of the stigma of needing extra help.
“We want to make sure that we can help people get what they need, so we’re really excited that we’re able to offer more access to food and help people live better lives,” Donworth said.
The pantry is located in the Lexington Public Library Northside Branch at 1733 Russell Cave Road and open Monday through Friday from noon to 2 p.m.
The pantry is staffed by volunteers and supplied with donations from God’s Pantry, Donworth said.
God’s Pantry Food Bank aims to reduce hunger by working with others to feed Kentucky communities, according to their Facebook page.
The nonprofit fights against food insecurity, a household’s inability to provide enough food for each member to live an active, healthy life.
You can get involved with the effort by hosting a fund or food drive, volunteering or donating food. More information can be found at https://godspantry.org/getinvolved/.
This story may be updated.
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