ASHLAND, Ky. — Boyd County Public Library’s month-long Food for Fines program returns in January.

Start the new year fines-free by donating non-perishable food items at the Ashland, Catlettsburg or Summit branches. All items will be collected by volunteers for River Cities Harvest and distributed to agencies that feed the hungry in our community.

This is the fifth year of the Food for Fines campaign. The program typically generates between 800 and 1,000 pounds of food, but the library is hoping for more this year.

“We realize that hunger is a continuing problem in our community, particularly during these tough economic times,” said Amanda Gilmore, BCPL community relations coordinator. “We are inviting our patrons to help meet that need by donating food – even if they don’t have any fines that need forgiven.”

For every two non-perishable food items donated, the library will forgive $1 in fines. There is a $5 maximum on the fine forgiveness.

Please, do not donate expired or damaged food items.

Food items most needed by local churches, shelters and other organizations that give out or prepare food are: cereals, boxed pasta and potatoes, canned chicken & meats, peanut butter, soups, canned and dried soup beans, baked beans, corn muffin mixes, tuna, and spaghetti and sauces.

For more information on River Cities Harvest call (606) 324-3663 (FOOD).