The Pflugerville Community Library kicks off its annual Food for Fines drive from Feb. 1-28.

“With the current economic situation, many more people are relying on food pantries to get them through tight times,” said Library Director Kathy Freiheit. “This is an opportunity for the Pflugerville community and library to make a difference, and it’s a great way to give back.”

Pflugerville Community Library customers can contribute to filling food pantry shelves and library shelves by participating in the program. Pet food donations are also welcome and will benefit the Pflugerville Animal Shelter and area animal rescue organizations. Each can of food brought to the library will clear $1 worth of fines from a customer’s library account.

Officials noted the best foods to donate are canned fruit and vegetables, fruit or vegetable juice, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, pasta, oatmeal, cereal, crackers, peanut butter, soup, stew and tuna. Dented or damaged packaging, items in glass containers, and products past their expiration date cannot be accepted. Donations of canned and dry pet food, pet blankets, and other pet-related products are also welcome.

Donations will be accepted at the Pflugerville Community Library during regular library hours (Monday to Thursday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sunday from 1-6 p.m.).
A separate donation drop box will be available for pet food and pet-related items. Donations should be delivered during library hours and not placed in the library book drop or left outside. Food for Fines cannot be used to credit fees for lost or damaged items or for accounts in collections.

The Pflugerville Community Library is located at 102 Tenth St. For more information, call the library at 251-9185 or visit cityofpflugerville.com/library.