The totals are in for Week 9, the final week of Tackle Hunger III, the St. Louis area high school football season food collection effort for Operation Food Search:
- Jerseyville High School: 2,219 pounds
- Columbia High School: 597 pounds
- Weekly Total: 2,816
Operation Food Search officials said these donations are valued at $5,096.96, and they represent enough to help provide quality nutrition to 704 people for one day!
The program is made possible by Neighbors Credit Union.
“This is terrific news!” said Neighbors Credit Union Senior Vice President-Marketing Paula Anderson. “Love seeing what the students are doing!”
“I love the students’ creativity in their efforts to amplify donations!” said Operation Food Search President and CEO Kristen Wild. “The image of the tower of food outside Mrs. Thurston’s door is amazing!”
5 On Your Side produced stories about all the 5 On Your Side produced stories about all the Tackle Hunger match-ups.
KSDK President and General Manager Alicia Elsner said, “For this initiative with Operation Food Search, Neighbors Credit Union has been a terrific partner for 5 On Your Side.”
Here’s how it worked: On Mondays throughout the St. Louis area high school football season, Operation Food Search officials drop off 15 empty barrels at two schools that are playing each other, Friday night. Students and staff rallied their communities and collected donate-able food items all week. Friday, Operation Food Search picked up the barrels filled with donated food items and weighed them. The results are reported during the KSDK Friday 10 p.m. Sports segment “5 On Your Sideline.”
While participating schools are not able to accept donated food items 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.