Student Food Pantry's 'Food for Fines' returns Nov. 18
The Central Michigan University Student Food Pantry logo.
Central Michigan University's Student Food Pantry is coordinating its second-annual 'Food for Fines' donation drive, which allows students to pay off their parking tickets by donating non-perishable food items.
In a collaborative effort between CMU Police Department and the Student Food Pantry, Food for Fines takes place Nov. 18-22. Students can drop off non-perishable food items at the Parking Services office between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. in the Combined Services Building.
Citations must be dated Nov. 4-22 to qualify for reimbursement. Only one citation up to $35 will be excused.
The Student Food Pantry opened in November 2018. Any student who is enrolled in classes is eligible to receive food from the pantry.
"The concept of being a broke college student is kind of normalized across the country, meaning not having a lot of money or eating Ramen Noodles every night," Dexter graduate assistant and Food Pantry organizer Kourtney Koch said. "We're trying to break down the stigma and normalization of that."
Donated food will be divided into categories to determine its financial equivalent. Items from a higher category will provide students with more money to pay off ticket fees.
Category 1 - $5 for any three of the following items:
- Canned veggies, fruit, beans, meats (12 ounce cans or larger)
- Boxed pasta or rice
- Packages of pasta noodles
- Canned soup
- Boxed stuffing or mashed potatoes
Category 2 - $10 for any three of the following items:
- Pancake mix
- Boxed cereal (12 ounce box or larger)
- Oatmeal
- Syrup
- Spaghetti Sauce
- Bags of rice
- Spices
- Marshmallows
- Tissue paper
- Hot chocolate
- Non-perishable milk and juices.
Category 3 - $10 for any one of the following items:
- Ground coffee (20 ounces or larger)
- 12-pack toilet paper
- 12-pack paper towels
- Feminine hygiene products
Last year's 'Food for Fines' resulted in more than $2,000 in forgiven fees and more than 900 food items collected.
The Student Food Pantry is always accepting food donations. Any student wanting to make a donation can deliver items to the Mary Ellen Brandell Volunteer Center between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
To learn more about the Student Food Pantry or 'Food for Fines,' email foodpantry@cmich.edu.
