ST. LOUIS — The results are in for Week 6 of Tackle Hunger III, the high school football season food collection event for Operation Food Search, sponsored by Neighbors Credit Union.
- Triad High School: 6,532 pounds
- Mascoutah High School: 1,137 pounds
- Weekly Total: 7,669 pounds
Roxana High School also contributed to the cause this week. Administrators there say the Roxana school community collected eight barrels full of food.
Operation Food Search officials say these donations are valued at $14,034.27, and they represent enough to help Operation Food Search provide quality nutrition to 3,508 people for one day!
5 On Your Side produces stories about the schools’ Tackle Hunger III 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.
“This is incredible!” said Operation Food Search President and CEO Kristen Wild. “I literally have tears in my eyes watching all of those student assemblies. It’s amazing how pumped up the students are about giving back in their communities; makes me hopeful for the future of our world!”
Neighbors Credit Union Senior Vice President-Marketing Paul Anderson said, “This is terrific! 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, 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.
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 a St. Charles County exclusive, as Francis Howell North takes on Francis Howell Central for Tackle Hunger, Oct. 11.