For a second year, Notre Dame Security Police’s Parking Services will offer a way to pay off ticket fines and do good at the same time.
Through the Food for Fines program, Parking Services will accept nonperishable food as payment for parking violations. The program runs from Monday, Nov. 12, to Friday, Dec. 7. Each donated canned good or food item is worth $2 in fine payments. Up to 30 food items can be donated per person, for a maximum fine value of $60.
“The inspiration for the Food for Fines program came from Tena Stump, office assistant in Parking Services. She recognized an opportunity to help the Notre Dame community and our local community at the same time,” says Kyle Johnson, NDSP director of finance and administration.
Food for Fines is open to faculty, staff and students as well as visitors to campus who may have received a citation. It is also open to anyone who wishes to donate items during the collection period.
“As a law enforcement agency we are always looking for ways to connect in a positive way with the Notre Dame community,” says Notre Dame Police Chief Keri Kei Shibata. “While enforcement is sometimes a part of our job, building great partnerships based on trust, good communication and mutual understanding is key to achieving our mission of building and preserving a safe environment and culture.”
Over the last two years, more than 6,000 pounds of food were collected for payment of about 450 parking citations. Donated food goes to People Gotta Eat, a partnership of food pantries in St. Joseph County that works though the United Way of St. Joseph County to share resources, raise funds and promote awareness.
“This program has generated much-needed resources for people in our area who need our support. This is a wonderful example of understanding and embracing the mission of Notre Dame,” says Mike Seamon, vice president for campus safety and event management.
Area food pantries need can openers, canned fruit, low-sodium canned vegetables, breakfast cereals, canned tuna, pasta, pasta sauce, beans, rice, boxed dinners (like Hamburger Helper), peanut butter and jelly.
Beginning, Monday, Nov. 12, donations can be turned in from 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Monday through Friday to Parking Services, 119 Hammes Mowbray Hall. Parking Services asks that faculty, staff and students bring their University ID card with them when dropping off food along with their paper citation or license plate number so that citation totals can be amended to reflect the food donation. For more information, contact Parking Services, 631-5053, or email ndsp@nd.edu.
Originally published by at news.nd.edu on November 08, 2018.