EXCELSIOR SPRINGS – Mid-Continent Public Library’s biannual Food for Fines program is back. Food for Fines will run from Oct. 11 through Oct. 17. Patrons at Excelsior Springs and other Mid-Continent branches will have the chance to donate nonperishable food items in place of money to pay off overdue fines or replacement card charges. Customers with no fines or fees also can donate to “pay it forward” toward another customer’s fees. The food will be given to charitable organizations across the Kansas City metro. Traditionally, the library offers the Food for Fines program twice a year, but the program has been on pause since 2019 because of COVID-19. To date, the library has collected more than 145,000 items for local charities through the program. Suggested donations include boxed meals, canned food, peanut butter, cereal and pasta. Donations must not be expired, damaged, open or non-nutritious, or in a glass, plastic or cardboard dr...