OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — If you need to clean out your pantry and pay off your overdue fines at the library, you're in luck. For a one-week period in October, the Omaha Public Library will be accepting canned goods and non-perishable food items at $2 apiece towards your balance.
They say the program will benefit a number of area pantries including "the nutritious choice food pantry and community nutrition programs of Together with collaborative partners across the city, including Food Bank for the Heartland."
It's part of an on-going history of giving by the Omaha Public Library.
“Omaha Public Library is proud to play a role in helping to feed the hungry in our community,” said OPL Executive Director Laura Marlane. “Last year, 589 patrons donated 3,378 pounds of food during Food for Fines Week, providing more than 2,815 meals to those in need while saving money on library fines owed. That’s impactful.”
Food for Fines Week will take place October 6-13 and people will be able to donate up to ten items for a total of $20.
The items must not have passed their expiration date to qualify for the program and they say they are most in need of:
- Nuts
- Granola bars
- Canned chili
- Soups
- Pinto beans
- Chicken and tuna
- Tuna snack kits
- Nosugar-added applesauce
- Salsa
- Pasta sauce
- Macaroni & cheese
- Cooking oils
