Parking tickets can be a hassle and no one wants to pay them, but what if there were an alternative? Tampa is considering a new program that would help out the community and not dig so deep into your wallet when you’re issued a ticket.

WTSP reports that Tampa City Councilman Guido Maniscalco has a proposed plan that would allow people paying parking tickets to fulfill their credit with food donations rather than using money. Maniscalco said the offender would be given a dollar credit for each food item in the program with a $20-$30 ticket being able to feed an entire family.

>> Read more trending stories

"In the end I think everybody wins. The city will still get some kind of revenue at a discount, but we're giving back to the community, we're feeding those in need and helping those that are hungry,” he told the news station.

According to WTSP, Tallahassee started a similar program in November, which gave first-time offenders $1 of credit toward their fine for every food item donated with a cap of $50. The program amassed 297 pounds of food and was enough to fund 250 meals.

Read more WTSP.

About the Author

Featured

University System of Georgia Chancellor Sonny Perdue said joining neighboring states to form a new accreditation agency will “keep Georgia’s universities among the best in the nation." (Jason Getz/AJC)

Credit: Jason Getz/AJC