Mayor Gorton launches “Lexington’s Big Give” citywide food drive to fight hunger

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton is calling on the community to “give big” this holiday season as the city launches Lexington’s Big Give, a large-scale food drive to help families facing food insecurity.

According to the City of Lexington, the effort is a partnership between the Mayor’s Office, God’s Pantry Food Bank, and several community agencies — including the Lexington Fire and Police Departments, the Division of Emergency Management, the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office, and the Fayette County Clerk’s Office.

“As we approach the holiday season, we want everyone to pitch in … to give big … to ensure no one in our community goes without food,” Mayor Gorton said. “Lexington is a city that gives and cares. By contributing food or making a monetary gift to God’s Pantry Food Bank, everyone can help.”

The Mayor said the initiative was inspired by families at the city’s Family Care Center, which provides childcare and educational support for young parents — many of whom rely on food assistance through partnerships with God’s Pantry.

“During one of my regular leadership meetings, my Commissioner of Social Services, Kacy Allen-Bryant, shared concerns raised by Family Care Center families and staff about continued food assistance,” Gorton said. “We immediately began organizing Lexington’s Big Give to help those families, and people across Fayette County.”

Commissioner Allen-Bryant said food insecurity remains a growing challenge. “The Lexington’s Big Give initiative is not just about collecting donations,” she said. “It’s about restoring dignity, stability, and hope.”

God’s Pantry Food Bank, which serves nearly 280,000 people in 50 counties across Central and Eastern Kentucky, praised the community’s generosity.
“Lexington has always shown what it means to be a community that cares,” said Danielle Bozarth, Vice President of Operations and Philanthropy at God’s Pantry. “Lexington’s Big Give is a powerful reminder that when we come together, we can make sure no one goes without food during this time.”

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 & 2^nd Floor)
• Lexington Senior Center: 195 Life Ln
• Family Care Center: 1135 Harry Sykes Way