For some of us, late fines at the library can really add up. Life gets in the way and you forget to swing back by and drop off your books and movies. Here's a helpful way to erase your fines and turn the page on hunger. Little 1st grader James Hinson's canned food pyramid may seem out of place at the library. After all, this is a place to read, not eat, but he knows these cans will help him and someone else.

"To give them to the poor," says Hinson.

That's because all of this food is going to Second Harvest Food Bank, which has seen donations drop 33%, and request for food rise 25%.

"$1 forgiveness, you just bring in one canned food, so it's $1 per canned food and your fine is eliminated," says Green Hills Public Library's Renuka Christoph.

This Monday through next Thursday, you can bring in a canned good to erase your fines. All Nashville Public Library branches are participating. Green Hills was the most successful branch last year, collecting 50,000lbs. of food.

"We just have too many books checked out for too long and just lose track," says Green Hills mom Debbie Rexer.

"We actually had $6.57 from 2009," says Green Hills mom Joy Hinson.

"I think we had $8 on my card and $3 on mine," says Rexer.

It's a great way to erase debt and feed a family this winter.

"It's a win/win because fines are being eliminated, but also we're feeding the hungry," says Christoph.

The biggest item they're requesting is peanut butter. In addition to canned goods, you can also bring cereal and pasta, but nothing in a glass container.
Food for Fines