ST. CHARLES COUNTY, Mo. — The results are in for Week-7 of Tackle Hunger III for Operation Food Search.
It was “all Howell,” featuring two St. Charles County high schools – Francis Howell Central and Francis Howell North.
Francis Howell North High School: 2,447 pounds of donated food
Francis Howell Central High School: 1,501 pounds
Weekly Total: 3,948 pounds
Additionally, Francis Howell Central raised $365 at a powderpuff football game with proceeds going to Tackle Hunger.
Operation Food Search officials said these donations are valued at $7,224.84, and they represent enough to help that organization provide quality nutrition to 1,806 people for one day!
“That is many meals for many people over the course of many weeks,” said Operation Food Search President and CEO Kristen Wild. “Thank you for the students’ and staff members’ efforts—promoting in-school announcements, sharing on social media, allowing Powder Puff entrance with food donations!”
Francis Howell School District Communication Manager Jeanie Smith said, “We are happy to be partners with Operation Food Search and KSDK 5 On Your Side! Love to see Francis Howell students, staff and the community donating and making a difference in so many lives.”
“This is terrific!” said Neighbors Credit Union Senior Vice President-Marketing Paul Anderson. “Love seeing all the students!”
KSDK President and General Manager Alicia Elsner said, “Neighbors Credit Union has been a terrific partner and helped this initiative for 5 On Your Side and Operation Food Search.”
Here’s how it works: On Mondays, Operation Food Search officials drop off 15 empty barrels at two schools that are playing each other in football, Friday night. Students and staff collect donate-able food items all week. Friday, Operation Food Search picks up the barrels filled with donated food and weighs them. The results are reported during the KSDK Friday 10 p.m. Sports segment “5 On Your Sideline.”
While people cannot donate food items for Tackle Hunger at the Friday night football games, you can drop them off at any area Neighbors Credit Union location during regular business hours.
Operation Food Search officials say the most-wanted food donations include:
- Light Tuna, Salmon & Chicken (canned & pouches)
- Soup, Chili, Stew w/ Meat & Beans
- Canned Fruit (in natural juices)
- Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Paste, Pasta Sauces
- Canned Beans, Canned Vegetables
- Instant Brown Rice, Whole Wheat Pasta
- Dried spices: chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, oregano, basil
- Deodorant, Toothbrushes, Toothpaste
- Low sodium options & pop-top cans are especially appreciated
- Please, no glass or ramen noodles
Next week it’s De Smet vs. Cardinal Ritter for Tackle Hunger, Oct. 18. Those two schools will begin collecting donated food items on Monday.