Food for Fines

Help Us Help The NOVA Community By Making Donations For Citations!

From March 2-13, 2026, the Northern Virginia Community College Parking and Auxiliary Operations department will accept select non-perishable food items as payment for parking citations. The items will be donated to the College’s Food Pantries, which provide services to the NOVA community.

The Food Pantries accept a large number of items, but only the items below are eligible for the program.

The following items will be accepted for the Food for Fines program:

  • Microwaveable Soup Bowls  – no cans! (14 oz minimum)
  • Cereal  – Box or Bag (12 oz minimum)
  • Microwaveable Mac & Cheese (4-pack minimum)
  • Cup Noodles (6 pack minimum)
  • Peanut Butter – Other Nut Butters Accepted (16oz minimum)
  • Microwaveable Instant Oatmeal Bowls (1.5 oz minimum)
  • Granola Bars (10 pack minimum)
  • Microwaveable Rice – 2-pack or pouch (8.5 oz minimum)

* Each individual item counts as one, even if the item is larger (example: a 32 oz Peanut Butter is counted as one item).
** Expired items, glass containers, and open containers will NOT be accepted.

Eligibility:

  • Only ONE citation may be forgiven per donation period. 
  • Only citations with a base amount of $25, $45 and $75 are eligible for the program:
    • Five (5) items need to be donated for a $25 citation
    • Seven (7) items need to be donated for a $45 citation
    • Nine (9) items need to be donated for a $75 citation.
  • Any previous late fees and/or appeal fees will also be waived.
  • Any fines that have been transferred to collections are NOT eligible for the program.
  • No Refunds will be issued for citations that have already been paid.

Instructions

The items need to be dropped off at a Campus Parking Office. The staff will provide a form that needs to be completed at the time of donation. Once the office accepts the form and items, the fine amount will be waived within two (2) business days.

Any holds associated with the citation will be removed after the citation has been officially waived.

Questions?

For any additional questions about the program, please contact us at 703.323.3123 or parking@nvcc.edu.