By Lara Fominoff @fomsy1 on Twitter

“Food for Fines” event begins today in Lethbridge

Dec 1, 2017 | 9:24 AM

LETHBRIDGE – From now until Dec. 10, anyone with outstanding public library late or hold fines, can bring in food bank donations in exchange for reducing or eliminating those fines.
 
Danielle McIntyre, Interfaith Food Bank Executive Director, says it’s a great way for local food banks to get donations, and for the libraries to get their items back.
 
“People can bring in in their items like books, or videos – anything that you have on hand that is past the due date, and instead of paying your fine, if you bring along a food donation, they will waive the fees for you.
 
“Every food item donated,” she explains, “equals five dollars off of your library fines. We have actually asked that if you’re bringing in ramen packages, that four items counts as one.”
 
McIntyre says even if your fines are big, if you bring in enough donations, they’ll be forgiven.
 
“They haven’t imposed any limits for us at all, which is fantastic.”

As of this morning (Dec.1), a number of items had already been donated to the Main Public Library branch. 
 
The Interfaith Food Bank has experienced a 25 per cent increase in demand over the last couple of years. Each month they, along with the Lethbridge Food Bank serve 700-750 households.
 
This Christmas, both food banks together are expecting to serve about 1800 households. That’s equal to about 2300 adults and about 2000 children.
 
Donations are being accepted at the Main Branch, 810 5 Ave. South, and at the Crossings Branch, 255 Britannia Blvd. West.