Wagga library turns fines into food for Salvos
Wagga Wagga City Council staff members Tracie Miller (left) and Melissa Donges with the food donated. (Photo courtesy of Wagga Wagga City Council)
Food For Fines, an initiative of the Wagga Wagga City Council library, provides The Salvation Army with food for their welfare and emergency relief fund after the Christmas hampers leave their cupboards bare.
Each January, the library encourages people with overdue fines to donate non-perishable food items rather than pay their fines. These items are then given to The Salvation Army.
“It tops up our welfare pantry ready for the new year ... it’s a great partnership,” says Wagga Wagga Salvation Army Corps Officer Captain Bindy Lupis.
The council's aim is to build community spirit and generosity through this initiative.
“It’s a really generous thing the council do,” says Captain Lupis. “One of the ways the library makes money is through people paying their fines, so they are forgoing their income to support the community and to support The Salvation Army. A lot of people who don’t have fines also come in and donate food – they just love coming to support it!”
Last year, the donated goods filled two utes and a 4WD. Already this year one ute has been filled.
“Our community service centre hands out this emergency relief three days a week to people who are doing it tough, so the food is directly handed back out to the community,” says Captain Lupis.
“Some people who receive the goods are homeless, others have lost a job or have health concerns. It also goes to help families who are genuinely struggling to make ends meet and need a bit of extra help.”
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