Notre Dame Security Police (NDSP) Parking Services will accept non-perishable food items as payment for parking tickets, the University announced in a press release.
The department launched a Food for Fines program, which will run from Nov. 14 to Dec. 9, according to the release. Each donated can or food good will cover $2 of payments, and individuals can substitute donations for up to $60 worth of fines.
According to the release, donations will support People Gotta Eat, a partnership of 14 pantries in St. Joseph County.
“I’m very proud of our staff for their persistence to see this program become a reality and I’m excited to see the program’s impact,” NDSP chief Keri Kei Shibata said in the release.
United Way of St. Joseph County, a nonprofit working to reduce poverty, sponsors the People Gotta Eat program. According to the organization’s reports for 2016, participating pantries have served almost 26,00o families, 4,000 of which were first-time visitors to food pantries.
The release said the pantries are in need of soup, chili, stew, macaroni and cheese, Hamburger Helper, oatmeal, nutritional drinks, boxed potatoes, cereal, pasta, spaghetti sauce, bread, canned fruits and canned vegetables.
According to NDSP’s websites, drivers can be fined for parking on all University property without a proper pass or decal. An individual usually only receives a warning for his or her first citation.
Food for Fines is open to students, faculty, staff and visitors who have received a citation. Donations can be turned in during working hours Monday through Friday in Hammes Mowbray Hall, according to the release.
“The inspiration for the Food for Fines program came from our staff in Parking Services,” Kyle Johnson, NDSP director of finance and administration, said in the release. “They recognized an opportunity to help the Notre Dame community and our local community at the same time.”
