Fraser Valley Regional Library’s extremely popular Food for Fines campaign is back.
Usually held during the winter, this is the first time FVRL has offered Food for Fines in the summer, which gives customers the opportunity to reduce library fines while helping to feed their communities.
Until July 29, library users can “pay” fines with food by bringing in commercially packaged, unexpired, non-perishable food items to any FVRL location. One food item equals $2 in fines/fees, and up to $30 of fines/fees owed per library account can be cleared during the campaign.
All items collected will be donated to local food banks.
“At this time of year many of our community food banks experience empty shelves and are in desperate need of donations,” says Heather Scoular, FVRL’s director of customer experience. “Food for Fines is a great opportunity for our customers to reduce or eliminate their library fines while supporting their local community food banks during a critical time.”
Last winter’s Food for Fines campaign was the most successful to date as FVRL customers donated 17,330 food items and saw approximately $34,660 worth of fines cleared.
Local pantries are especially in need of rice, flour, powdered baby formula, peanut butter and jams, pasta and sauces, canned fruit and vegetables, canned and dry soups, canned fish/meat and cereal.
For more information, visit www.fvrl.caor your nearest FVRL location.
