Fraser Valley Regional Library’s popular Food for Fines campaign is back, giving library customers an opportunity to reduce their fines and help feed their community.
From Dec. 14 to Jan. 22, library customers 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 the local area food bank.
“FVRL’s top priorities include building meaningful community partnerships and reducing barriers for customers,” says Heather Scoular, director of customer experience. “Now in its fifth year, the campaign is a great opportunity for customers to reduce or eliminate their fines while supporting their local community food banks in the process.”
Last year FVRL customers donated 13,330 food items, and in turn the library system cleared $34,660 worth of fines.
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.
Food for Fines is offered at the Tsawwassen, Ladner Pioneer and George Mackie branches in Delta. For more information, visit www.fvrl.ca or your local branch.
