MacOdrum Library has collected approximately 500 non-perishable food items from Carleton students in its eighth annual Food for Fines drive in exchange for a reduction in library fees, according to circulation co-ordinator Mizthika Sanjeevan.
This total donation estimate is approximately 250 per cent higher than the 2012-13 academic year count, which was the lowest in the campaign’s history. Sanjeevan said library renovations interfered with the initiative last year.
“This year we did quite well,” Sanjeevan said.
The most successful year was in 2009 when, she said, over 1,100 items were collected.
The campaign ran from March 24-31. Each non-perishable counted for a two dollar fine reduction, and fines could be lifted up to $20.
Sanjeevan said the food drive is held in late March because “this time of the year, most students are stressed about finances.”
She said the Food for Fines campaign is a chance to reduce fines with items students might already have before the end of the term when they’re transferred to Carleton student accounts.
The non-perishables are forwarded to the Carleton University Students’ Association (CUSA) Food Centre, where it is distributed to students in need.
“It’s good to know that students can provide for other students,” Food Centre programming co-ordinator Zandile Chiwanza said.
She said the annual event is popular with students and they often request to have the campaign twice a year, once at the end of each semester.
The library has received “very positive” feedback, according to Sanjeevan, who has heard students say the campaign put a smile on their faces.
“I just hope that it grows every year. That’s my hope and goal,” Sanjeevan said.
Food for Fines is organized by the library, but CUSA also advertises the campaign.
Chiwanza said the campaign is an example of positive interaction between university administration and student groups.
“We’ve had a good experience with administration,” she said.
