Canned goods can now pay for that UK parking ticket you’ve had in your backseat since August.

According to a press release, any UK student or employee that currently has a parking ticket through the UK Transportation Services is able to bring in 10 canned food items or five personal care items to pay for one of their tickets. They are able to do this now through March 8. 

“Ten food items or five personal care items will waive one regular citation of $25 or less,” the press release said. “Regular citations do not include immobilizations, impoundments, parking in fire lanes, ADA accessible parking violations or improper application or use of parking permits.”

However, in order to get one ticket waived using the canned goods or personal care items, all other citations must first be paid. 

“Customers with unpaid citations must also pay any other outstanding citations in order to have one waived under this program,” the press release said. “Citations waived through the drive are not eligible for appeal.”

The donations received through UK Transportations Services will be given to Big Blue Pantry. Big Blue Pantry is an on-campus organization that seeks to assist those who are food insecure at UK. 

General donations are also being accepted by the Lexington community. Due to a partnership between UK Transportation Services and the National Association of Black Journalists, a drive will be held during the two-week period outside of Euclid Kroger.

“The members of the UK student chapter of the National Association of Black Journalists usually participate in community events year-round,” said Mel Coffee, associate professor in the UK School of Journalism and Media and adviser for the student chapter of NABJ. “I was thrilled when they came up with the idea to help with this food drive. They understand that as journalists they can have a positive impact on their community and the world, but also as people who live in this community, they understand they have a duty to help build a stronger community through volunteer efforts.”

Donations can be brought to Transportation Services staff, who will be on campus in the Gatton Student Center from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 28. For those who cannot make it on Thursday, donations need to be brought to UK Transportation Services’ main office, located at 721 Press Avenue.