Boston Public Library is asking for spice donations

The Boston Public Library is asking for donations to its new Spice Bank Collective.

The library, in collaboration with the Greater Boston Food Bank, is collecting unopened containers of spices to distribute to local food pantries.

The program aims "to offer a way to maintain a sense of cultural identity and family traditions, encourage creative and nutritious cooking, and promote the abundant cultural make up that is found in Massachusetts," according to a description on the library's website.

BPL nutritional literacy director Stephanie Chase is behind the drive to make flavor more accessible.

"It's really important that we have a way of cultural expression through our food, and if we need to use the food pantries for a time being there's no reason why that cultural expression has to cease," she said.

Spice donations will be accepted at nearly two dozen BPL branches through 2022. If you drop off your donation at the central branch in Copley Square, the donation will be matched. Most branches are participating, and you can find a full list here.

With reporting by WBUR's Andrea Shea