Food for Fines Program Collects More Than 4,300 Items

• 14 February 2024
• Category: SJC News Public Library System
• Tags: 2024

St. Johns County Public Library System’s Food for Fines Program Collects More Than 4,300 Items for Families in Need

St. Johns County Public Library System patrons were exceptionally generous during the holiday season, donating more than 4,300 non-perishable food items to St. Johns County’s Health and Human Services Food Pantry through Food for Fines. The Food for Fines annual program enables patrons to donate food to local families in need and help pay down their overdue fines during the holiday season.

“It’s a real benefit to the community we serve to have the Food for Fines program,” said Tracy Dillon, Social Services Manager for St. Johns County. “The food donated by library patrons replenishes our dwindling food supplies and allows us to operate our Food Pantry for nearly the whole year.”

Health and Human Services provides a wide variety of services for approximately 10,000 people in St. Johns County throughout the year.

“Since we first implemented Food for Fines in 2009, the community has really gotten behind the program,” St. Johns County Public Library System Director Debra Rhodes Gibson said. “It’s even supported by our patrons who don’t have fines. We’re thrilled that we were able to offer our patrons $2 off their fines for each item of food donated and help their generous donations go a little further.” Food for Fines is one of several collaborative programs that the St. Johns County Public Library System participates in with other County departments, extending its reach to St. Johns County residents. To learn more about the library system and programming, visit www.sjcpls.org