Turn Overdue Book Fines into Feeding the Hungry

The Ocean County Library is partnering with the county health department to offer library patrons a way to take care of their overdue library charges and also help the food banks in the local community. The Food for Fines program runs from July 9 to July 16 and allows the exchange of nonperishable food items for 50 cents per overdue item, with a total cap of $20 per patron towards their overdue fines. Customers who do not have fines are also encouraged to donate food items at any branch of the Ocean County Library. Suggested items include canned food, pasta, cereal, rice, etc. All items will be taken to the FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean counties. The Food for Fines program last ran in 2009, where over two tons of food was collected!