Food for Fines was pounds of success!

From December 12 through the 18th, CALS brought back the Food for Fines program. Patrons were able to donate prepackaged non-perishable items to reduce library fines. Patrons were allowed to offset up to $25 worth of fines. Arkansas ranks second in the nation in food insecurity and 17.3 percent of Arkansans are facing hunger issues.

The boxes were delivered to the Arkansas Foodbank, the leading hunger-relief organization in Arkansas. The Foodbank finds pathways to connect people, resources and food to reach those in need, providing dignity, hope and a brighter future for all Arkansans. Items donated at Milam Library were taken to Partners for Progress in Perryville. We also recieved more than 200 items for our Pay It Forward program to help reduce overdue fines for patrons who were not able to donate.

We are so proud of our community and that we were able to facilitate this donation during a time when many are struggling.