BELLEVILLE, Ill. — The results are in for Week-5 of Tackle Hunger III, the St. Louis area high school football food collection event for Operation Food Search.
It’s made possible by Neighbors Credit Union.
- Alton Marquette High School: 1,422 pounds
- Althoff High School: 2,286
- Weekly Total: 3,708
Operation Food Search officials say these donations are valued at $6,785.64, and they represent enough to help Operation Food Search provide quality nutrition to 1,696 people for one day!
“We are grateful for the administrators and students at Alton Marquette and Althoff for supporting the Tackle Hunger campaign!” said Operation Food Search President and CEO Kristen Wild. “It’s refreshing to hear from students that philanthropy is a priority for their school community!”
KSDK President and General Manager Alicia Elsner said the success of the program is not new.
“I was thrilled to learn our Tackle Hunger program from last season was Operation Food Search’s largest collection event in 2023!” Elsner said.
Neighbors Credit Union Senior Vice-President of Marketing Paula Anderson said, “Working side-by-side with our employees and our members along with several of the wonderful high schools throughout our community is impactful and rewarding.”
Mascoutah and Triad high schools will compete in Tackle Hunger next week and square off Oct. 4.
Here’s how it works: Each week, Operation Food Search officials drop off 15 empty barrels at two schools that are playing each other on 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.
5 On Your Side produces stories about the schools’ collection efforts, which air each Friday on “Today in St. Louis" (4:30-7 a.m.). The results are announced on “5 On Your Sideline” during the 10 p.m. Sports segment.
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.