A canned food drive competition is being held where fifth period classes compete and try to bring in the most support for local food banks. The event will help fund food banks and bring awareness to the challenges the organizations have been facing in the last few months. The competition will run from November 12 to December 10 and donations will be sent to the local Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano.
The canned food drive raises awareness about food banks and other organizations, bringing attention to the recent chaos surrounding food stamps. Food stamps are part of the United States federal government program called Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). SNAP helps people with limited resources and income meet nutritional needs and maintain a healthy diet. SNAP is widely known for the food stamp and EBT card programs they provide nationwide for buying groceries.
In the light of recent events, food drives have become even more crucial to subside a lack of funding to feed people. In November, amid the government shutdown, SNAP funds were put on hold until members of the House agree and vote to pass a spending bill and end the shutdown. People across the nation felt the effects of this shutdown immediately as for the first time ever, food stamps were stopped.
Recently, a federal judge has ruled that the USDA has to fund the contingency reserve for SNAP so that the program can stay afloat. But in absence of SNAP, food banks are struggling to help people meet nutritional requirements ahead of this holiday season.
With recent events, donations have become more vital. It is important to note that there are multiple ways to support the effort for the food drive competition. “Even the change in your pocket is really helpful. You can donate online and there’s QR codes around campus that go directly to the food drive site,” Leadership Advisor Lindsay Webb-Peploe said. “We also will take donations through Apple Pay in front of the library, so students can donate that way.”
When asked about recommendations for canned donations, Webb-Peploe said “Anything with protein is always recommended. So beans, legumes, peanut butter – those are their highly sought after items.” On the topic of whether cash or can donations are more helpful to the food bank, Webb-Peploe answered “All food banks, not just the Contra Costa food bank, would prefer monetary donations, because it actually allows them to buy food in bulk and get a much better rate than if we were to bring in the cans from our cupboards. But of course, please bring in the cans in your cupboard as well.”
Social Studies teacher Thomas Renno, who has frequently lost the competition to reigning champion Petro Petreas added, “Campolindo does a canned food drive every Thanksgiving season, and as far as I can remember, we have always done an amazing job at raising funds to help the food bank tens of thousands of cans every year. And students really step up and understand how important it is to help their community. And so it has been an amazing way that Campolindo is able to serve the community over the years.”
