Food for Fines program starts Monday

Yuma County library patrons can bring in cans of food Dec. 3-15 to pay off their overdue fines as part of the district’s Food for Fines program. For every donated can of food 10 ounces or larger, $1 in overdue fines will be cleared.

Now in its 29th year, the program benefits the Yuma Community Food Bank and other local assistance agencies.

“We just really feel it’s a win-win collaboration,” said Sarah Wisdom, the library district’s community relations manager. “It gives our patrons the ability to pay off any late fines and food goes to people who need it most.”

All eight branches participate in the food drive and Wisdom said donations will stay in the local community each branch serves — two in Yuma and one each in the Foothills, San Luis, Somerton, Wellton, Dateland and Roll.

She added that the library encourages patrons to donate even if they don’t have fines to pay.

Aside from the 10-ounce size guidelines, the cans must also be labeled, undented and unexpired. No glass jars will be accepted.

The cans can be dropped off at a branch circulation desk or service desk.

In 2017, a total of 1,658 cans were collected and the library district is hoping to surpass that number this year with the help of the Yuma County communities they serve.

For more information about the program, call (928) 373-6483.