Last month, New Castle County libraries forgave fines in exchange for participating in their weeklong food drive.
This is the county’s inaugural “Food for Fines” program, which was inspired by a similar effort in Maryland. About 1 in 8 people in Delaware struggle with hunger.
More than 1,400 took part in the food drive. And libraries forgave up to $25 of anyone’s fines and fees. In total, the libraries waived close to $7,700 dollars.
The program was done in partnership with a local chapter of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, which runs the Needy Family Fund holiday meal program.