UA Beat Auburn Beat Hunger Drive: The Beat Auburn Beat Hunger food drive campaign at the University of Alabama is set to conclude on Thursday, November 16. This initiative aims to combat food insecurity in Alabama by supporting the West Alabama Food Bank. Food insecurity, defined by the USDA as the lack of access to enough food for an active, healthy life, affects over 700,000 people in the state.
Rebecca Wilson, president of Beat Auburn Beat Hunger, emphasized the pressing nature of this issue and the opportunity to make a positive impact. Last year, the University of Alabama set a record by donating 565,000 pounds of food during the seven-week drive.
This food drive isn’t exclusive to the University of Alabama; Auburn University also conducts its own version. The initiative, celebrating its 30th annual iteration this year, started as small food drives on each campus and evolved into a friendly competition between the rival schools in 1994.
The broader Tuscaloosa community actively participates in the drive, demonstrating significant support. Local churches, schools, and businesses contribute to the cause, showcasing a collective effort to address food insecurity in the region.
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While canned food donations are prevalent, the West Alabama Food Bank welcomes all types of contributions. Monetary donations are particularly valuable, allowing the food bank to purchase needed items. Donors can contribute through Venmo at West Alabama Food Bank or by writing a check directly to the West Alabama Food Bank or Beat Auburn Beat Hunger.
The campaign not only highlights the competition between the universities but also underscores the shared commitment to addressing food insecurity in Alabama. The focus extends beyond campus boundaries, involving the wider Tuscaloosa community in this meaningful initiative.