Got an FIU library fine? Pay it with a food donation to the campus pantry

This month, Food for Fines at FIU Libraries gives borrowers a break. The annual tradition offers students the chance to absolve their fines while donating to a worthy cause. Library fines, although bothersome for students, are essential to ensuring that items (eventually) are returned so that everyone can access them. Although necessary, these costs can add up and become a financial burden for patrons.

This year, under the annual Food for Fines program, each item donated to the Libraries reduces a student’s balance by $25. This means a student who donates a box of pasta and a jar of tomato sauce can eliminate a $50 charge from their account. (Yes, such a huge fine is possible when a laptop or other device in kept too long!) Of course, patrons without fines who wish to donate can drop off items at both libraries as well.

Food for Fines was started in 2018 by the Genevieve Diamond, FIU Libraries' former head of the access services department, affectionately referred to as "Jenny" by those who worked with her. In her role, Diamond hired, trained, mentored and mothered hundreds of student employees. “It was very important for the libraries to be a part of the university,” Diamond said recently about her motivation. “It should be a place where students want to come and enjoy it, so any kind of service we could offer, I wanted to do it.” Her concern for students made her a staunch supporter of student help services like the campus food pantry and Fostering Panther Pride.

When Diamond initiated Food for Fines to support the pantry and alleviate the burden of fees for students, it was an instant hit.  

“If you have something worth doing, people will get involved and contribute.”- Jenny Diamond, Former Access Services Department Head, FIU Libraries

The student food pantry is available on both campuses to those going through a hard time. These pantries are donation-based and rely on faculty, staff, community members and organizations for contributions. 

“The student food pantries depend on the generous donations from our FIU community and external community to serve students in need. The Food for Fines initiative through the FIU libraries is a great example of how university departments can assist our pantries in making an impact for students.”- Joanna Garcia, Program Director, Center for Leadership and Service

In the last two years alone, Food for Fines has yielded more than 200 pounds of nonperishable food items for the pantries and has forgiven thousands of dollars in student library fees.

Diamond worked at FIU for 15 years and was an avid supporter of both the Student Food Pantry and Fostering Panther Pride with her dedication going beyond the Food for Fines event. She donated frequently to both initiatives through the Ignite program and always encouraged people to remember the importance of the pantries during the holidays. Her student-focused nature and generosity was known by all who interacted with her.

"Jenny was big on anything that would help support the students." - Jackie Francis, Access Services Manager, FIU Libraries

Throughout the pandemic closure and gradual repopulation, Diamond oversaw staff that was crucial to libraries' laptop and hotspot distribution and contactless book delivery. When she retired in 2021, she combined her passion for photography and devotion to the needs of students by auctioning her photography to the tune of hundreds of dollars that went directly to support Fostering Panther Pride and was recognized by the university administration.

To donate to the pantry, drop items off at the either library, stop by the pantries in person (Graham Center Room 319, and Wolfe University Center Room 256) or visit the pantry page to donate online.