Food for Fines 2018

Clear Library Fines While Providing Food To Those In Need
Attention: This post is over 2 years old and the information may be out of date.Attention: This post is over 2 years old and the information may be out of date.
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 

Media Contacts:
Katie Woods, Communications Manager
San Mateo County Libraries
(650) 556-5209

‘Tis the season to spread joy, help those in need and clear those library fines. Now is your chance to make a difference by participating in the Food for Fines library program, a community food drive. Drop off non-perishable food at any of our library locations and watch your accrued library fines disappear. The donation of one unit of food will erase ALL fines from past due items for one account.

This year’s program begins on Thursday, November 1 and runs through Monday, December 31. To increase food donations countywide, public libraries across the Peninsula are joining San Mateo County Libraries in participating this year.

“This is a wonderful opportunity to support those who are struggling to put food on the table and to get your library accounts back in good standing before the close of the 2018 year,” said San Mateo County Supervisor Carole Groom, opens a new window. “Whether or not you owe fines, join us for this successful program and help make a difference in our communities.”

Food donation barrels are available at all San Mateo County Libraries. Food must be in store-sealed cans, boxes, or plastic containers within its expiration date. Glass containers, perishable food, or opened containers cannot be accepted. Donations will waive library fines only, not fees for lost or damaged items. Home-made or home-canned items are not accepted.

Last year, participating libraries collected a total of 36,531 pounds of food partnering with Second Harvest Food Bank who distributes more than 65 million pounds of nutritious food to low-income people annually in Santa Clara and San Mateo counties. Most recipients are children and seniors. The millions of pounds of food are provided free to 309 local nonprofit agencies at more than 900 sites, including pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, and after-school programs.

Most needed non-perishable items are:

  • Tuna & Canned Meat
  • Peanut Butter
  • Low-Sodium Canned Soups & Chili
  • Rice & Dry Beans
  • No-Sugar Added Canned Fruits
  • Low-Sodium Canned Vegetables
  • Granola Bars
  • Cereal

Food for Fines is a collaboration among the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors, opens a new window, Burlingame Public Library, opens a new window, Canada College Library, opens a new window, College of San Mateo Library, opens a new window, Skyline College Library, opens a new window,  Daly City Public Library, opens a new window, Redwood City Public Library, opens a new window, San Bruno Public Library, opens a new window, San Mateo County Libraries, San Mateo Public Library, opens a new window, South San Francisco Public Library, opens a new window, and Second Harvest Food Bank, opens a new window. This library community food drive presents a great opportunity for residents to give back to the community and take advantage of the great collections and programs that libraries offer, such as best sellers, downloadable eBooks and eAudiobooks, computers classes, eMagazines, music, movies, and much more.