SCC Library District Trades Amnesty On Fines With Food For Needy

CAMPBELL, CA -- Here's your chance to provide food for thought.

With the second round of its Food for Fines program, the Santa Clara County Library District will waive fines of up to $100 in exchange for a non-perishable food donation for those in need.

Last year's offering resulted in 30,000 meals for the hungry through a partnership with Second Harvest of Santa Clara and San Mateo counties.

“Food for Fines was successful last year in welcoming our patrons back to the library and generating much needed food for our neighbors,” county Librarian Nancy Howe said. “We hope to see an even greater level of participation among library users and continued generosity from all of our communities.”

Last year’s program saw thousands of library patrons take part, with nearly $150,000 in fines and fees waived. Over 5,300 individuals were able to zero out their account balances thanks to Food for Fines. Many community members took part in the program even though they did not have any outstanding fees or fines, they just wanted to do their part to help those in need. There were even patrons who paid their fines and made a food donation.

“Having an outstanding fine or fee can discourage patrons from fully utilizing their local library,” said county Supervisor and Library District Joint Powers Authority Board Chairman Mike Wasserman. “Food for Fines allows individuals to make good with the library in a cost friendly manner, while also helping others in the community who require food assistance.”

Food for Fines will be available at each of district's seven community libraries and one branch library as well as through its Bookmobile. Patrons simply bring their food donations to the Accounts Desk during normal business hours to have the fines and fees waived. All the food collected through Food for Fines will go to Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Clara and San Mateo counties, which supports over 250,000 Silicon Valley residents monthly - half of them children or seniors.

With an estimated 83.6 million meals missed every year by vulnerable Santa Clara County households, there is a need to take action.

“We were delighted with the huge response to Santa Clara County Library District’s first Food for Fines amnesty program last year and are thrilled to see the momentum continue again this year,” said Leslie Bacho, chief executive officer of Second Harvest. “Food for Fines is a great way for the community to step up and help the 1 in 4 people in Silicon Valley who are struggling with hunger.”