Culminates at Nov. 22 BYU-U of U football game
Brigham Young University is having a food fight this month with the University of Utah, but it's a fight where all the food stays in cans and packages.
The Y will compete with the U in a food drive to benefit Utah's food banks and will culminate its efforts Saturday, Nov. 22, at the BYU/U of U football game.
"Fans can't affect the game, but they can make a difference in the food drive," says Todd Hendricks of BYU Alumni Relations and BYU's coordinator for the competition. "Last year we lost the drive by only $57, and we're hoping to reverse the result. We hope the community will be generous in their donations."
The on-campus campaign, headed by students France Nielson and Emily Martineau, began today (Nov. 10), at donation bins located throughout campus. Suggested items are such non-perishables as peanut butter, chili, stew and tuna. Bins will be set up through Nov. 22.
Additionally, the BYU Bookstore will sell decorative Y cards for $1 Nov. 10-22.
Besides the bookstore, several businesses off-campus will also offer the Y cards beginning Nov. 17. They include Smith's grocery stores, Jerry's Hamburgers, Fat Cat's and Premier Lube and Oil. Krispy Kreme will sell Y cards Nov. 14 from 7 to 9 p.m., Nov. 15, from 8 to 11 a.m., Nov. 21 from 7 to 11 p.m. and Nov. 22 from 8 to 11 a.m. Other companies supporting the drive include The Daily Herald and Novell.
"This program is one of the most satisfying campaigns we run," Hendricks explains. "It's a wonderful opportunity to work with the U to help fight hunger. Both schools challenge each other to collect the most food and most cash to benefit needy families in our respective communities."
"Cash is especially welcome," adds Hendricks. "A $5 donation to the Mt. Timpanogos Food Bank will purchase $130 worth of food, primarily for transportation costs, and feed approximately 17 persons."
According to the United Way of Utah County, one in five Utah children live in families without enough food. That means that in Utah, Wasatch and Summit counties, 16,000 children are hungry. The largest group the food bank helps is two-parent, working poor families (See http://www.communityactionprovo.org/foodbank.htm for more information.)
One hundred percent of the proceeds benefit people in the community where the food is collected or the funds are raised.
