Oklahoma City Allows Library, Traffic Fines To Be Cleared With Food Donations

A municipal court and library in an Oklahoma city are allowing people with traffic violations, certain municipal offenses and overdue library books to donate food in exchange for lowering or eliminating their infractions.

 Through the rest of November and all of December, people with violations and fines with either of the Chickasha, Okla., municipal institutions may donate food to have their traffic or municipal fines reduced, or have their library fines eliminated. “Citizens with municipal traffic violations and overdue library fines will soon be able to give back and get a break through two Food for Fines programs,” city officials said.

The city’s municipal court will hold its Food for Fines program through Nov. 26, which allows an individual with a ticket to turn in non-perishable food items and receive a $10 reduction in their fine per item, up to $100.

City officials noted that people with outstanding warrants are encouraged to participate “without fear of arrest,” and people with fines beyond $100 may be permitted to arrange a payment plan for additional remaining balances.

 Last year, 30 people contributed food that summed up to $2,826.50 in fine credits, a number that includes people who donated more food than was required and others who donated without citations.

Chickasha’s public library will run its Food for Fines program throughout the month of December.

Although donations will not settle debts for lost of damaged book fees, but books that are have been or are returned are eligible and “any amount of food donated can be used to clear any amount of overdue library fines.”

 The library blocks accounts when they surpass $6, with officials noting that any amount of food will clear the hold and allow people to check out books and other materials again.

All food donations made as part of the Food for Fines effort will be donated to the Chickasha Emergency Food Pantry, city officials said.

Chickasha’s Food for Fines program is not a unicorn, as the St. Johns County Public Library System, on the central Atlantic coast of Florida south of Jacksonville, has been running its program since 2009 and will be accepting donations this year through Dec. 21.

The library system said people can participate by either donating non-perishable food items in exchange for a $2 reduction in library fines per item or by making a cash payment toward their fines, which will be used to bicycle lights for children and families.

“We’re happy to expand this partnership to contribute even more to our community, helping not only those facing food insecurity but also keeping local families safe through new initiatives like providing bike lights,” Debra Rhodes Gibson, director of the library system said.