Bozeman Municipal Court hosting food donation event for defendants to receive credit for fines

BOZEMAN, Mont. - Bozeman Municipal Court and the nonprofit HRDC are partnering for the second Food for Fines event, in which defendants can trade nonperishable food items in exchange for credit toward their fines. The event is scheduled for May 29 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Bozeman Public Safety Center. 

Each donated nonperishable item is equivalent to $10 of credit, up to $200 (or 20 items). 

“Due to income levels, not everyone experiences a $200 penalty the same way,” Judge Karolina Tierney said in a press release. “Those who are low-income are going to feel that penalty much more significantly. That’s why we’re hosting this event. Defendants still need to be accountable for crimes they have committed, but by providing food items in lieu of cash, they can take responsibility, complete their sentence, and help a worthy cause at the same time.”

Parking tickets are ineligible for credit. Defendants are also ineligible, according to a press release, if they are only paying restitution, have an active warrant, are in collections for fines or restitution, have a deferred prosecution agreement or are completing community service in lieu of fines. 

“Everyone deserves the opportunity to give back in meaningful ways," President and CEO of HRDC Heather Grenier said. "Every food item donated during Food for Fines will help us stock the shelves of our local food banks and make a real difference for our neighbors struggling to pay rent and still afford groceries."

For more information about the program or event, visit the City of Bozeman website.