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Food for Fines

Shelves stocked with peanut butter, pasta, and canned goods in a food pantry.

The University Libraries has partnered with the Teaching and Learning Commons and the UNLV Food Pantry to combat food insecurity and wipe out library fines through the Food For Fines program.

December 1, 2025-January 31, 2026

How does it work?

For each non-perishable, unexpired food item you donate, $10.00 will be reduced from students' overdue fines.

Library patrons eligible for this program include:

  • UNLV undergraduate and graduate students

What fines are eligible?

Fines for overdue books and DVDs, as well as interlibrary loan books and reserve items.

  • Lied Library
  • Architecture Studies Library
  • Music Library
  • School of Medicine Library
  • Teacher Development and Resources Library
Donation progress
of items

What fines are not eligible?

  • Billed items that are still checked out – the item must be checked back in by the library
  • Lost or damaged books
  • Fines or fees for items from the Wiener-Rogers Law Library
  • Fines or fees for items from non-UNLV or other NSHE locations such as CSN, NSC, DRI
  • Services fees for Special Collections and Archives
  • Makerspace fees
  • Large format printing fees
  • Guest printing cards
  • Collection agency fees

Where can I drop off food items?

The food items may be delivered to the Lied Library Circulation Desk.

What can be donated?

All donated food items must have labels and be unopened, undamaged, and unexpired.

Most requested food items for the UNLV Food Pantry:

  • Meat and high protein groups:
    • Peanut and other nut butters, canned tuna, ham, salmon, stews, spam, beans, soups, stews, or chili
  • Dairy products:
    • Canned or powdered milk
  • Canned goods:
    • Vegetables, fruit, etc.
  • Carbohydrates:
    • Boxed cereal, oatmeal, breakfast bars, pancake and baking mix, flour, sugar, and instant food meals (mashed potatoes, pasta, macaroni and cheese boxes)
  • Holiday-themed foods:
    • Mashed potatoes, turkey dressing, cranberry sauce, cookie mixes, or hot chocolate
  • Drinks:
    • Water (by the gallon or in packs), canned or boxed fruit juices (no glass containers)

In addition, the UNLV Food Bank accepts donations of toiletries such as shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, toothbrushes, body lotion, soap, and feminine hygiene products (pads, tampons, etc.). Donations of these items can also be used to reduce fines.

What items cannot be donated?

  1. Dented or rusted canned goods OR canned goods without labels:
  2. Damaged items
  3. Opened items or packages
  4. Expired items or packages
  5. Soda
  6. Items in glass containers (glass is just too fragile)
  7. Homemade or home-canned items
  8. Items that contain little to no nutritional value (candy bars and other sweets)

All donated food items will be donated to the UNLV Food Pantry.

If you have questions about Food For Fines, please contact Ingrid Ruffin or Brett Nafziger.