5 On Your Side’s second annual “Tackle Hunger” food drive sponsored by Neighbors Credit Union to benefit Operation Food Search concluded in late October at 137% to its goal of 50,000 pounds of food donated. The final total came to 68,722 pounds of food.
Each week, “Tackle Hunger” featured a high school football game matchup on 5 On Your Side’s Friday night high school sports show, 5 On Your Sideline. The two schools were encouraged to compete against each other throughout the week leading up to the game to see which school can collect the most food donations. Food donations were also collected at Neighbors Credit Union branches throughout the Metro. Seventeen schools participated in the donation drive this year, with Columbia High School generating the most donations – 18,280 pounds.
“It’s heartwarming to see students at local high schools come together for the benefit of our community,” said President and General Manager Alicia Elsner. “Neighbors Credit Union has been a terrific partner and has helped this initiative surpass its goal two years in a row.”
The donated food will provide 17,388 area residents in need quality nutrition for one day at no cost. The food has a street value of $120,470.50. Operation Food Search says each 1.2 pounds of food donated equals one meal, and each pound of food donated has a value of $1.75.
“This campaign truly is a game changer for OFS! Operation Food Search’s vision is a region where everyone has equitable access to the food they need to lead healthy lives,” said Matt Kasate, Operation Food Search volunteer and drive manager. “We are able to put our vision to work and serve families in the region because of partners like 5 On Your Side and Neighbors Credit Union!”
Here's a rundown of how much food was donated by each school:
Aug. 25
Marquette High School – 409 pounds
Lafayette High School – 1,343 pounds
Sept. 1
Mater Dei High School – 3,334 pounds
Breese Central High School – 4,015 pounds
Sept. 8
Lindbergh High School – 1,266 pounds
Fox High School – 5,102 pounds
Sept. 15
Edwardsville High School – 2,970 pounds
O’Fallon Township High School – 709 pounds
Sept. 22
Columbia High School – 18,280 pounds
Freeburg High School – 8,366 pounds
Sept. 29
Collinsville High School – 2,390 pounds
Oct. 6
Lutheran St. Charles High School – 6,664 pounds
St. Francis Borgia High School – 3,130 pounds
Oct. 13
Francis Howell High School – 914 pounds
Francis Howell Central High School – 2,318 pounds
Oct. 20
Timberland High School – 381 pounds
Wentzville Holt High School – 1,787 pounds
The rest of the donations came from viewers who donated at Neighbors Credit Union branches.
“We are thrilled at Tackle Hunger’s success this year and even more so of the positive impact it makes in the communities we serve,” said Paula Anderson, Neighbors Credit Union senior vice president of marketing. “The high school athletes, students, families and faculties along with Neighbors Credit Union members and teammates really earned this solid win for food insecurity, bringing nutrition and hope to our neighbors in need.”
Since its inception in 2022, “Tackle Hunger” food drives have generated 113,201 pounds of donations for Operation Food Search and provided one day of quality nutrition to 34,075 residents in need.
About 5 On Your Side
5 On Your Side is the NBC affiliate in St. Louis, Missouri and has been a leader in local news, information, and community involvement for more than seven decades. 5 On Your Side is owned by TEGNA Inc. (NYSE: TGNA), an innovative media company that owns and operates 64 television stations in 51 markets. To learn more about 5 On Your Side, please visit KSDK.com.
For more information contact:
Alicia Elsner, 314-444-5256
