Food For Fines FAQ
What is Food for Fines?
The Food For Fines program allows the CMU community to pay off their basic parking fines by donating a fair and reasonable number of non-perishable foods or personal care items. All donations are given to the CMU Student Food Pantry.
How many citations can I pay with donations?
Each account may have ONE unpaid parking citation up to $45 excused by donating a fair and reasonable number of non-perishable foods or personal care items.
Which citations are excluded from donations?
- Over time meter-city violations
- Handicap/ADA spaces
- Fire lanes
- Reserved spaces
- No-parking areas
- Shared permit
- Service drives/loading docks
What is the time frame that citations qualify for donations?
Citations written from March 4th, 2026, to March 27th, 2026, may qualify for the donation exchange. No donations will be accepted after 5 pm on March 27th, 2026.
When will donations be accepted at Parking Services?
Donations may be dropped off starting on Monday, March 23, 2026, through March 27, 2026. Donations will only be accepted by Parking Services from 8 am-5 pm.
What items will NOT be accepted as donations?
We are unable to accept any open, damaged, rusty, leaky, unlabeled, close to expiration, or expired items. If you are unsure about an item, please call Parking Services 989-774-3083.
What are the most needed food pantry items?
Personal care items: Shampoo, conditioner, body wash, deodorant, lotion, unopened boxes of menstrual products, dish soap, paper towels, and toilet paper.
Food items: Oil, cooking spray, condiments, seasonings, oatmeal, broth, and jarred gravy.
All donations are appreciated, but these items would be especially helpful for the pantry!
May I donate if I do not have a citation to pay?
Absolutely! All donations will be given to the CMU Student Food Pantry to support the CMU community who rely on the pantry's services.