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Syracuse University Libraries

Food For Fines: Home

At the end of every semester, Syracuse University Libraries is offers an opportunity for students to help others while reducing their library fines. All Libraries patrons with overdue circulation fines can reduce their fines by donating healthy, nonperishable food and hygiene items which will contribute to the Hendricks Chapel Coach Mac Food Pantry. Fine reductions exclude interlibrary loan and lost book fees. Even those without library fees are encouraged to donate!

For the Fall 2025 semester, “Food for Fines” will run from Friday, December 5 through the end of the semester. The Libraries will accept any sealed, non-expired and non-perishable food or personal care items at the circulation desks of Bird, Carnegie, Law, Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, and King + King Architecture Libraries during regular Check Out Desk hours.

Fines will be reduced by $1 per item for canned beans and vegetables; $2 per item for soap, canned fish/soup, single serving cereal or oatmeal, lip balm, pasta, sauce, tissue, toilet paper and toothbrush; $3 per item for baked beans, cereal, canned meat/fruit, oatmeal, ramen noodles, rice, shampoo/conditioner, toothpaste; $4 per item for granola bars, deodorant, jam/jelly, hot chocolate, peanut butter, tea; and $5 per item for box of coffee K-cups and lotion. Contributions should not be open or expired and single-use items are preferred.

Questions? Contact us!

For questions or more information, please email circulation@syr.edu.

Bird Library is a donation point for contributions for the Hendricks Chapel Coach Mac Food Pantry year-round to support its mission to serve individuals who experience hunger, food insecurity and a lack of resources. The Libraries will accept any sealed, non-expired and non-perishable food or personal care items year round at the 1st Floor Check Out Desk at Bird Library during regular Check Out Desk hours.

Coach Mac Food Pantry Guidelines

VALUES & GUIDELINES

The Coach Mac Food Pantry of Hendricks Chapel provides support for students experiencing food insecurity. As defined by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, “food insecurity” includes a lack of consistent access to enough food to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle.

To provide the best quality of service to the highest quantity of students, the Coach Mac Food Pantry of Hendricks Chapel requires its patrons to adhere to the following values and respective guidelines:

  1. Truthfulness: The Coach Mac Food Pantry is intended to support those experiencing food insecurity.
  2. Stewardship: Patrons are invited to use the pantry once per week.
  3. Orderliness: Patrons are expected to stand in assigned hallway lanes, speak at a low volume, and exit the pantry area after receiving their respective items.
  4. Gratitude: Patrons are expected to accept what they receive, without expectation of returns or exchanges.
  5. Presence: Patrons are expected to refrain from use of mobile phones while being served at the Coach Mac Food Pantry.
  6. Openness: Because food insecurity is about more than food, patrons are invited to share with Coach Mac Food Pantry volunteers how we can best ensure their long-term health, wellness, and academic success.

Those unable to adhere to the above values and guidelines may be restricted from use of the Coach Mac Food Pantry.

For questions or feedback, please contact Alison Murray, Assistant Dean for Student Assistance, at acmurray@syr.edu or 315.443.9388.