UBCO students in Kelowna now have the opportunity to pay off their parking tickets with food donations through the university’s Food for Fines program.
The program, which was launched in 2019, allows students to exchange non-perishable food items for their parking ticket fines. This initiative not only helps students save money, but also supports the local community by providing much-needed donations to the Central Okanagan Community Food Bank.
The Food for Fines program was created by the UBCO Student Union and the university’s Parking Services department as a way to give back to the community and help students who may be struggling financially. It also aligns with the university’s commitment to sustainability and reducing waste.
Students can bring in non-perishable food items to the Parking Services office and receive a credit of $2 per item towards their parking ticket fines, up to a maximum of $30. The food donations are then collected and delivered to the Central Okanagan Community Food Bank.
According to the UBCO Student Union, the program has been a huge success since its launch. In 2019, over 1,000 food items were donated, resulting in $2,000 worth of parking ticket fines being waived. In 2020, despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the program still managed to collect over 500 food items and waive $1,000 in parking ticket fines.
Not only does the Food for Fines program benefit students and the community, but it also raises awareness about the issue of food insecurity. Many students struggle to afford basic necessities, including food, and this program helps to address that issue by providing them with a way to pay off their fines without having to spend money.
The Central Okanagan Community Food Bank has expressed their gratitude for the program, stating that the donations have been a huge help in supporting their efforts to provide food to those in need. They also appreciate the awareness that the program brings to the issue of food insecurity and the impact it has on students.
The Food for Fines program has become a beloved tradition at UBCO and has received positive feedback from both students and staff. It not only helps students in need, but also promotes a sense of community and encourages students to give back.
The program is set to continue in the future, with plans to expand it to include other types of fines, such as library fines. This will provide students with even more opportunities to give back and support the community while also taking care of their own responsibilities.
In a time where many students are facing financial challenges, the Food for Fines program at UBCO is a shining example of how a simple idea can make a big impact. It not only helps students save money, but also supports the community and raises awareness about important issues.
