Metro Lex News

LEXINGTON, Ky. – LEXPARK, the Lexington Parking Authority, has announced that their nationally-recognized canned food drive in partnership with God’s Pantry Food Bank, "Food for Fines," is returning for the 2023 holiday season.

From Nov. 20 through Dec. 15, those in the community who have outstanding parking tickets will have the option to donate canned goods at the LEXPARK offices, located at 122 North Broadway in Lexington, in exchange for reduced fees. “The Food for Fines program is an opportunity for our organization to repay the community we serve during this season of giving and thankfulness,” said James H. Frazier, III, Chair of the Lexington Parking Authority. “At LEXPARK, this is our favorite time of the year, when we can provide a small break from parking fines while helping to feed the hungry.”

Canned vegetables which are at least 14 ounces in size, as well as dry good items such as canned meat, beans or peanut butter are suggested. Expired, damaged or opened food donations will not be accepted.

For every 10 cans of food donated, individuals will receive $15 off any LEXPARK or Lexington Police-issued parking citation. There is no limit on the number of cans customers with multiple citations may bring in, so those with outstanding fees are encouraged to donate as many cans as they’d like. If residents want to check to see if they have a citation, they can simply enter their license plate at the “Pay a Citation” page on the lexpark.org site.

Donations – and fee reductions – can be applied to multiple and even past-due citations. In 2022, LEXPARK collected over 1,970 food items, which paid for over $3,215 in citations. “We are pleased to partner with LEXPARK again for the ‘Food for Fines’ campaign,” said Michael Halligan, CEO of God’s Pantry Food Bank. “This initiative not only offers a practical alternative for individuals with outstanding parking tickets, but it also strengthens our mission of providing food assistance to local families in need during the holiday season. By donating canned goods, community members have the opportunity to make a tangible impact on both their own lives and the lives of others.”

The goal of the Lexington Parking Authority, which was created by the Urban County Council in 2006, is to provide, maintain and operate adequate, high-quality, customer-focused public parking and encourage economic growth.

Original source can be found here.