For more than three decades, University of Alabama students have turned the state’s biggest rivalry into a force for good.
The 33rd annual Beat Auburn Beat Hunger food drive begins today, bringing together students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members in a shared effort to fight food insecurity across West Alabama. Organized by students through UA’s Center for Service and Leadership, the campaign supports the West Alabama Food Bank while encouraging the campus community to give back to neighbors in need.
Beat Auburn Beat Hunger representatives and Big Al at the Governor’s Mansion during Governor Kay Ivey’s kickoff event. (Photo by: Billy Pope)
Each fall, UA students channel the energy of the Iron Bowl into collecting food and monetary donations that directly support families throughout the region. Since 1994, UA and Auburn University have combined to raise more than 12 million pounds of food for Alabamians facing hunger.
According to Feeding America, one in six Alabamians, including one in four children, experiences food insecurity.
Student volunteers lead every aspect of the campaign, from organizing fundraising events and promoting donation drives to coordinating collection sites across Tuscaloosa and Northport. Donation barrels placed throughout campus and the community make it easy for people to contribute, while online giving allows supporters to help from anywhere. Monetary gifts can make an especially large impact, with every dollar donated equating to two pounds of food, or approximately six meals, distributed by the food bank.
As the food drive gets underway, UA students once again are demonstrating how service and generosity can strengthen a community. Through every canned good donated, dollar contributed and volunteer hour given, Beat Auburn Beat Hunger continues its mission of helping ensure West Alabama families have access to the food they need.
Dining and Cooking