During the New Year, as we gather with loved ones to enjoy the things that truly matter in our lives, our thoughts often turn to those who may be less fortunate. As we do, we remember the harsh truth that acute inequalities and struggles for even the most basic necessities sadly do not take breaks for the holidays. But many within the Lexington community confront this truth every day, working tirelessly to help resolve it. It’s worth taking a moment to highlight a few of the organizations who work year round to help relieve one of the most basic needs of the less fortunate: the food pantries that feed our neighbors.
Hope Center INSPIRATIONS:
How Lexington’s Food Pantries Are Feeding Those in Need by Peter Chawaga
Lexington’s Hope Center opened in June 1993 with a mission of serving the homeless beyond just providing food and shelter, quickly establishing a substance abuse recovery program, day labor program and more. But its food provision service is one of its most impactful programs, reaching those in need through its main Jacobs Hope Cafeteria, which is open to the public for dinner each night, as well as the cafeterias in its recovery centers and its mobile outreach program, which provides sack lunches to anyone in need in downtown Lexington every Monday through Friday. “At our main cafeteria, we typically feed 120 to 200 individuals per meal, three meals a day, 365 days a year,” said Carey Cairo, the volunteer and community relations manager for Hope Center. “Last fiscal year, we served 362,286 meals altogether.” Hope Center’s cafeteria in particular is a rewarding program for those seeking to give back this season, or really at any time of the year. “Come and volunteer to serve a meal with us!” Cairo encouraged. “Our kitchen staff and volunteers always have a great time and our volunteers continually comment on how much fun it is to serve meals — our clients are so grateful, and it’s a positive way to serve the community.”
God’s Pantry Food Bank In the 1940s, Mim Hunt, the founder of God’s Pantry Food Bank, left behind her profession as a child welfare worker after returning to her hometown of Lexington from New York
