One of Alabama’s biggest college football rivalries is once again being used to help put food on the tables of families across West Alabama.
The University of Alabama has kicked off its 33rd annual Beat Auburn Beat Hunger food drive, a student-led campaign benefiting the West Alabama Food Bank.
The campaign brings together University of Alabama students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members to collect food and monetary donations for people experiencing food insecurity throughout the region.
Beat Auburn Beat Hunger has become a fall tradition at the university, allowing Alabama and Auburn supporters to compete off the football field while addressing hunger in communities across the state.
Since the competition began in 1994, the two universities have combined to collect more than 12 million pounds of food for Alabamians.
The need remains significant. According to Feeding America figures cited by the University of Alabama, approximately one in six Alabamians experiences food insecurity, including about one in four children.
Students play a major role in organizing the campaign. Volunteers coordinate fundraising events, promote food drives and help manage collection locations throughout Tuscaloosa and Northport.
Community members can participate by donating food at collection barrels located around the university and community. Monetary donations are also accepted, with each dollar donated equivalent to approximately two pounds of food, or about six meals, according to the university.
Donations collected through the campaign support the West Alabama Food Bank, which serves people facing hunger throughout the region.
While Alabama and Auburn will eventually meet on the football field for the annual Iron Bowl, Beat Auburn Beat Hunger gives supporters another competition with an impact that extends far beyond the final score.
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