Local artist Jana Lynch teamed up with 602 Brewing Company to create a space for the community to heal through art, while also benefiting the Bastrop County Emergency Food Pantry.
What you need to know
Each Thursday, Lynch invites the public to 602 Brewing Company at 919 Main St. in Bastrop, to make a small donation to the food pantry and hand-paint butterflies in honor of those who have passed. When completed, Lynch adds them to her art installation at Eden East Farm called Welcome Hope.
“You get to create with paint, jewels and glitter to adorn the butterfly representing your loved one,” Lynch said. “I deliver the money to the food pantry each Friday, and by Wednesday of the next week your creations will be placed in our community art installation.”
To keep the project pushing forward, Lynch created an Amazon Gift List, which allows anyone wanting to help to send the needed supplies.
The context
Kelly Manfredini, Bastrop County Emergency Food Pantry director of marketing and communications, said in a news release that the pantry welcomes help, noting that more than one out of every seven Bastrop County residents is living in poverty and facing both food insecurity and poor nutrition.
“The Bastrop County Emergency Food Pantry has been hit hard over the last four years,” Manfredini said. “In 2023, they served over 80% more of their neighbors than they did in 2020.”
Services provided by the pantry include:
- Emergency Assistance
- Educational Workshops
- Fresh Food for Families
- Open Arms
- Brown Bag
- Nibbles Backpack Program
What else?
To receive food pantry assistance, the recipient must be a resident of Bastrop County. After a brief intake session, the individual can take home the needed food.
Walk-in assistance is provided:
- Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays
- 8-11:30 a.m., 1-3:30 p.m.
Appointments for assistance are available:
- First Thursday of each month from 4-7 p.m.
- Second, third and fourth Thursday of each month from 8-11:30 a.m., 1-3:30 p.m.
Those needing an appointment can schedule it by calling the pantry at 512-303-0033 or emailing [email protected]. The pantry is located at 806 Fayette St. in Bastrop.
