The Portage Regional Library will be introducing, "Food for Fines," which will allow people who owe late fees the ability to donate food items instead.

The program will run from April 5th until April 9th.

Director Jen Kendall says this will not only benefit those who need the food, but also those who've been struggling with paying off their late fees. She says a lot of different food items are eligible to be donated.

"The food has to be non-expired and commercially packaged," explains Kendall. "Things like canned goods and Kraft Dinner. Baby formula is always popular but it's a little expensive for this."

Each food item donated will earn you five dollars toward your late fees, and you can do this up to 10 times, for $50 off. Even if you don't have any fines, they'll gladly accept your donation and pay it forward.

"Programs like these are usually very successful," notes Kendall. "it's definitely something that's been on my mind, especially as prices are going up and I just wanted to kind of give back in a way that you know, let people remember that the food the food bank still does need our support."

She adds this could help people who didn't feel like they were welcome due to their late fees become reacquainted with the library

The food donations will not be able to go toward any ILL fees or lost items.