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Thinkstock[/caption]You don't have to go far to find someone that is hungry and it's not just a person sitting on a corner holding a sign. It can be your neighbor, friend, co-worker  or even that person that gave you the nicest smile as they passed you walking down the street.

Hunger is everywhere and it's even in our own back yard.

For some, affording groceries is an extreme task. I know, I've been there. It doesn't necessarily mean it is the person's fault; it can be as simple as being forced to make a choice between two very important things. I've also been there too.

Hunger is one of the hardest things a person can deal with, especially when that person has kids involved.

So how do you fight hunger? There are lots of ways, actually. Donating to a reputable food bank is a great idea. But what if you could pay a parking ticket by donating food? Do you think that would help? We have a ton of parking meters and parking garages in downtown Billings. What if for one month we the people were given a choice? Money or food? It could help a lot of people that desperately need that help.

One city is actually helping people provide meals with this program and it seems to be working.

Parking tickets can be paid with donations of canned food instead of cash during a month long "Food for Fines" program in Lexington, Ky.

The city's parking authority is accepting cans for citations. Those who donate 10 canned food items receive a $15 credit on citations. Customers with multiple citations may bring in 10 cans per citation for the credits.

One expired parking meter ticket could reportedly mean two meals for hungry Fayette County families, according to God's Pantry CEO Marian Guinn.

Citizens brought in more than 6,200 cans of food as payment during last year's inaugural "Food for Fines" program.

I think this is a great idea and I support this in every way. What do you saying Billings? Can we put food in more hungry stomachs? I think so.

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