The Mid-Continent Public Library's biannual Food for Fines program is back! This fall, Food for Fines will be held from Monday, October 11, through Sunday, October 17. During the weeklong initiative, MCPL customers will have the chance to donate nonperishable food items in place of money to pay off overdue fines or replacement card charges.

Customers with no fines or fees can also donate to "pay it forward" toward another customer's fees. Following the completion of the program, the food will be given to charitable organizations across the Kansas City metro.

Traditionally, MCPL offers the Food for Fines program twice a year-leading into the summer to encourage active participation in the annual Summer Library Program and in the fall to alleviate any barriers for students seeking resources at the Library-however, it's been on pause since 2019 due to COVID-19. To date, the Library has collected more than 145,000 items for local charities through the program.

Suggested donations include boxed meals, canned food, peanut butter, cereal, and pasta. Donations must not be expired, damaged, open, non-nutritious, or in a glass, plastic, or cardboard drink container. Each donated food item will count as $1 toward a customer's fines and fees (up to $10).

For more information about Food for Fines, visit mymcpl.org/FoodForFines.

KPGZ News - Brian Watts contributed to this story