UA’s Beat Auburn, Beat Hunger Food Drive Ready to Roll

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — The University of Alabama Center for Sustainable Service & Volunteerism launches the 21st annual Beat Auburn Beat Hunger food drive today from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with a kickoff event at UA’s Ferguson Plaza.

The food drive, which benefits the West Alabama Food Bank, continues through Friday, Nov. 21.

Today’s event includes free food as well as the opportunity to vote in a pie-throwing contest. Students, faculty and staff may choose a contestant and make a donation in their honor. In addition, participants may have their photo taken with Big Al and pick up T-shirts.

The “Pie in the Face” event will Monday, Nov. 10, at the Ferguson Plaza with the winner receiving a pie in the face.

Started in 1994, Beat Auburn, Beat Hunger has helped collect more than 2 million pounds of food. During the weeks leading up to the Iron Bowl on Nov. 29, students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members “fight” hunger and poverty in West Alabama by challenging Auburn University and the Food Bank of East Alabama to see who can collect more nonperishable food to help needy Alabama families have a happier and healthier holiday season.

The food bank is accepting all nonperishable food items, and collection barrels are placed at locations on campus and around Tuscaloosa. Monetary donations will be accepted at various Bama Dining locations, by texting BAMA to 27722, and online at beatauburnbeathunger.ua.edu.

Other Beat Auburn, Beat Hunger events include:

Oct. 19:  Beat Auburn, Beat Hunger Crazy Socks 5K & Fun Run, 1 p.m. Register to run in the fourth annual Beat Auburn, Beat Hunger 5K on the UA 5K course. Prizes for age divisions and teams will be given. Register at beatauburnbeathunger.ua.edu.

Oct. 26:  Women’s Volleyball, 1 p.m. Bring cans to Foster Auditorium.

Nov. 6:  Hunger Banquet, 6 to 8 p.m., Ferguson Ballroom. Participate in this annual hunger simulation that has become a signature event on campus. Sponsored by the Center for Sustainable Service & Volunteerism.

Nov. 10: “Pie in the Face,” Ferguson Plaza; time TBA.

Nov. 12:  Beat Auburn, Beat Hunger Percentage Night at Tuscaloosa Burger, 5 to 10 p.m. Sponsored by UA Health Occupation Students of America.

Nov, 16:  Women’s Basketball, 7 p.m.  Bring cans to Foster Auditorium.

Nov. 17:  Men’s Basketball, 8 p.m. Bring cans to Coleman Coliseum.

Nov. 19:  Homecoming “Canformation.” Watch student organizations build themed structures out of canned goods. Sponsored by SGA Homecoming.

Nov.  21:  Last day to donate.

UA’s  Center for Sustainable Service & Volunteerism strives to enhance the student experience through active and diverse engagement opportunities in the community. Built upon the foundation that service transforms, the center provides educational and awareness programs to complement the service opportunities.