Monmouth County Library undertakes Food for Fines drive in April to aid FoodBank

Help the FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties stock their shelves. Help feed a hungry family. Bring in a non-perishable food item to the Monmouth County Library and get $2 deducted from any current outstanding late fees!

Last year, the Library’s week-long Food for Fines program collected more than six tons of food items for local food pantries. This year, in conjunction with other Monmouth County departments as part of National County Government Month, the Library is extending its Food for Fines program for the month of April.

“The Monmouth County Library System is the public gathering place in many communities, so it makes sense that the libraries would serve as the main collection points for this food drive,” said Freeholder Lillian G. Burry, liaison to the Library System. “I commend the staff at all of our library branches for stepping up and helping out with this most worthwhile cause.”

The need for emergency food in Monmouth County is dire, according to Freeholder Director John P. Curley. More than 80,000 residents need emergency food.

Here’s how you can help:

-- Bring in a non-perishable food item to and Library staff will deduct $2 off late fees for each item donated. The more you donate, the more you save.

-- Even if you don’t have a late fee, you can still leave a donation! Bins will be provided at each branch for non-perishable food donations. 

-- Food for Fines donations will NOT cover lost or damaged library materials. Items will be accepted at the discretion of staff.

-- The library cannot accept any food item past its expiration date, items in glass containers, items separated from multipacks, sample-sized items, nor perishable items.

The Food for Fines drive will begin on Monday, April 2 at all 13 branches. Donated  food items will be delivered to the FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties.   

The FoodBank, headquartered in Neptune, supplies more than 260 local food pantries, soup kitchens and shelters. Carlos M. Rodriguez, executive director of the FoodBank, said there has been a 71 percent increase in demand for emergency food since the start of the recession.  “The need is here,” he said.

The Library branches will serve as the main collection point for the month-long drive by county government. Branches are located in: Allentown, Atlantic Highlands, Colts Neck, Hazlet Township, Holmdel Township , Howell Township , Marlboro Township, Ocean Township, Oceanport, Wall, West Long Branch, as well as the Eastern Branch Library in Shrewsbury and the Library Headquarters in Manalapan.

Other collection bins will be at the Hall of Records on Main Street in Freehold, and the Agriculture and Human Services building on Kozloski Road in Freehold Township.