Aggie students reduced or eliminated their library fines through Texas A&M University Libraries’ 10th Annual Food for Fines program from February to early March, donating close to a half-ton of food to help their campus community.
Four libraries on Texas A&M’s main campus accepted nonperishable food items as payment for library fines. Following the food drive, the 917 lbs. of food were taken to the 12th Can Food Pantry, an on-campus, student-run pantry that serves members of the university community who need assistance.
"Aggies helping Aggies is what Food for Fines is about,” said Tonya Carter, the Libraries’ Food for Fines coordinator.
Food donations were welcome from anyone, whether or not the donations were associated with library fines.
Carter said the Libraries donated over 10,000 pounds of food to the pantry over the drive’s previous nine years.
For each donation of 10 ounces or more, $2 were credited to a student’s fines on their Libraries account, with up to a $100 maximum credit. The program did not cover replacement fees for lost or damaged items, and donations had no monetary value.
Donations were made at the Libraries’ “AskUs” desks at the front entrances.
The 12th Can Food Pantry strives to eliminate hunger at Texas A&M, bring awareness to food insecurity in college communities, and show others the power of the Aggie spirit.
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Written by: Richard Nira, rnira@tamu.edu | Media Contact: Matthew Kennedy, matthew.kennedy@tamu.edu.
About Texas A&M University Libraries
Comprising six unique libraries, the Texas A&M University Libraries are a hub of resources, spaces and professionals supporting the success of research, learning and teaching. The Libraries’ advance student success and partner in innovative research, while providing a physical and digital home to all students, staff, faculty and researchers. To learn more visit library.tamu.edu.
