ST. LOUIS — Officials at 18 St. Louis-area school districts have agreed to square-off in a community food collection event designed around the high school football schedule.
Before the season even started, school officials agreed to their roles in the match-ups:
- Aug. 30: Pattonville vs. Fort Zumwalt North
- Sept. 6: Breese Central vs. Mater Dei
- Sept. 13: St. Francis Borgia vs. St. Dominic
- Sept. 20: Timberland vs. Troy Buchanan
- Sept. 27: Alton Marquette vs. Althoff
- Oct. 4: Triad vs. Mascoutah
- Oct. 11: Francis Howell North vs. Francis Howell
- Central
- Oct. 18: Cardinal Ritter vs. DeSmet
- Oct. 25: Jerseyville vs. Columbia
Here is how it works:
On the Monday before each game, Operation Food Search officials will deliver empty barrels to both schools.
Students and staff will collect and place non-perishable food items into the barrels throughout the week.
Friday afternoon, Operation Food Search officials will collect and weigh the barrels, to determine which school collected the most food.
The winner will be announced on 5 On Your Side’s Friday 10:15 p.m. sports show, “5 On Your Sideline.” A story about the schools’ collection efforts will also be featured on “Show Me St. Louis.”
“I was thrilled to learn our Tackle Hunger program from last season was Operation Food Search’s largest collection event in 2023!” said KSDK President and General Manager Alicia Elsner. “5 On Your Side is proud to shine a spotlight on the increasing need to address food insecurity in our community.”
Fort Zumwalt School District Director of Communications Laura Wagner said, “It's always exciting to see how our students embrace these projects, the way they build partnerships with community agencies and the way they work together to serve others. Tackle Hunger is just one example of how students across the region are rivals on the field, but partners in the community.”
Operation Food Search President and CEO Kristen Wild said, “Tackle Hunger is a great example of how dedicated community partners help Operation Food Search meet the immediate need of hunger every day. Working with Neighbors Credit Union, KSDK, and so many area high schools is a fun and impactful way of working towards our vision of a hunger-free tomorrow.”
“The Neighbors Team is thrilled for Tackle Hunger III to begin,” said Neighbors Credit Union Senior Vice-President – Marketing, Paula Anderson. “The energy is high! Working side-by-side with our employees and our members along with several of the wonderful high schools throughout our community to drive donations for Operation Food Search is so impactful and rewarding. We’re looking forward to terrific success!”
While food donations are not accepted at the Friday night football games, people can donate at any area Neighbors Credit Union location.
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.
