The Ocean County Health Department will collaborate with the Ocean County Library in the Food for Fines Campaign from Monday, July 9, through Saturday, July 14.

All of the food collected will be donated to the FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties.

Leslie Terjesen, health department public information officer, said, “Food for Fines will allow 50 cents toward fines for each unexpired, canned food items and/or other non-perishable food items (pasta, rice, cereal, beans, etc.) donated during this time, up to a maximum of $20.

"Baby food and formula will not be accepted. This is applicable for overdue fines only. Even without fines, people may certainly drop off food items and may do so at any one of the 21 library locations. For a listing of locations, visit the Ocean County Library website at www.theoceancountylibrary.org.  

Freeholder Gerry Little and Freeholder Joseph H. Vicari, liaison to the Ocean County Library, both stated that during the summer months, local food banks are in desperate need of food. Last year, the FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties distributed food through its 250 partner agencies to 127,000 people in need or 1 in 10 residents in Monmouth and Ocean Counties. 

Terjesen added, “The Ocean County Library System is one of the finest in the country. They offer so much more than books; they offer information, education, entertainment and so much more. With 21 branches located throughout Ocean County and a selection of thousands of books, it is easy to forget to bring back a book on time or someone may be so engrossed in a book that it may be returned late. Food for Fines gives someone the opportunity to pay their fine, but more importantly, help to put food on someone’s’ table.”