On Monday, February 8th, the Westchester Family YMCA launched the Painted Pantry Project to address the growing needs of those facing food insecurities in the community. YMCA volunteers, representatives from the neighborhood council, donors and Councilmember Bonin were on hand to celebrate, and instead of a traditional ribbon cutting, guests were invited to write positive messages on pieces of ribbon which were then tied to the Y’s fence.
The brainchild of Westchester resident, John Sharpe, the pantry is located in the Y’s parking lot and will be regularly filled with food items supplied by community members. Donations of canned goods with pop-tops, healthy snacks and other shelf stable food items can be dropped off at the Y Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Canned meats and beverages like juice, water and Gatorade are some of the pantry’s most popular items and are especially requested to be donated.
Follow the Painted Pantry Project on Facebook.com and Instagram @paintedpantryproject.
Last month, the YMCA also began its partnership with FeedLA to provide produce distribution every Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Those in need or interested in picking up produce can drive through the YMCA Annex’s parking lot and receive bags of veggies like broccoli, zucchini, cucumbers and more.
The Westchester YMCA is located at 8015 S. Sepulveda Blvd. in Westchester. The Y’s Annex is located at 8020 Alverstone Ave.