A student studies in Fondren Library Monday night. SMU’s library is again running its Food for Fines program for students. (Stuart Palley)

The Central University Libraries have partnered with the North Dallas Food Bank for the eighth year in a row to offer the Food for Fines program, which gives students the ability to have outstanding fees with the libraries forgiven in exchange for canned food items. Director for Public Services for the CUL Tinsley Silcox describes the program as a positive one.

“The students are able to feed the hungry and get their fines reduced,” Tinsley said.

The program was instituted in 1999 and was such a success that it has since returned annually. Last year the libraries were able to collect 830 canned food items and forgave almost $1400 in fines.

The vast majority of the food donated to the program comes from students who have traditionally shown enthusiasm for the program. This year, Tinsley noted, the day after the program was announced, the libraries were already handling donations.

For any students who want to donate, there are a few simple rules: The food must be non-perishable; for every can brought in, two dollars in fines will be forgiven; the waiver cannot be applied to fines already sent to the CUL cashier’s office for collection; it does not apply to replacement charges or processing fees and credit cannot be given towards future fines.

The program began Nov. 28 and will end Dec. 17, the day after the end of finals. Those interested can deliver their donations to the Fondren Library Center, Hamon Arts Library and the ISEM reading room.