One of the biggest annual rivalries between Brigham Young University and the University of Utah doesn't take place on the football field.
BYU and the University of Utah have joined forces to replenish the food supplies and financial resources for the Utah Food Bank in Salt Lake and the Community Action Services Food Bank in Provo.
"This food drive is not only a great way to promote a fun rivalry, but the students at both schools have the great opportunity to help and support the community," said Curtis Isaak, BYU Alumni Association services coordinator. "Our main goal is to help those in need this holiday season."
The annual food drive begins Nov. 13 and concludes at the BYU/U of U football game at Rice-Eccles Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 25. Last year, BYU and the community collected over 126,000 pounds of food and raised approximately $16,000.
"With this money and food, we were able to help more than 3,300 families in Utah, Wasatch, and Summit counties," said Myla Dutton, executive director of Community Action Services. The food bank is one of six programs directed by CAS.
To capitalize on the rivalry of the game, the alumni associations of both schools have organized a food and money drive. Donations received will go directly to the Utah Food Bank and to the Community Action Services Food Bank.
Nonperishable food donations can be dropped off at various bin locations across BYU campus and at any Rocky Mountain Chevrolet dealership. Food donations will also be accepted during a BYU versus New Mexico tailgate party sponsored by Maceys grocery store at 800 N. State Street in Orem Friday, Nov. 17, from 4 to 7 p.m.
Monetary donations can be made by purchasing a Y mark, a flier with BYU's logo on it. The marks, which cost $1 each, can be purchased at the BYU Bookstore and Del Taco across the Wasatch Front. They will be displayed once purchased.
"Every dollar collected translates into about 17 pounds of food," Dutton said.
Donations can also be made through the BYU Alumni Association's Web site at alumni.byu.edu.
Writer: Todd Michaelis
