Beat Auburn Beat Hunger Food Drive Kicks Off Friday

TUSCALOOSA, AL — The University of Alabama will kick off the 32nd Beat Auburn Beat Hunger food drive on Friday, Oct. 3, beginning the six-week competition with Auburn University to benefit the West Alabama Food Bank.

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The campaign runs through Nov. 20, with results set to be announced Nov. 21. A public kickoff is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Monday, Oct. 6, on the steps of the Alabama Capitol in Montgomery, where Gov. Kay Ivey plans to make donations to both universities.

Organized by UA’s Center for Service and Leadership, the drive raises money and collects nonperishable food to help address hunger across the region. Feeding America estimates one in six Alabamians — including one in five children — experiences food insecurity.

“Getting involved with Beat Auburn Beat Hunger means more than just beating Auburn and supporting our campus,” Campaign President CC Hahn said. “It means directly impacting families in our community who face food insecurity every day.”

Donation barrels will be placed across campus and throughout Tuscaloosa.

Monetary gifts are also accepted, with organizers saying every dollar equals two pounds of food — or five meals — that the West Alabama Food Bank can provide.

Coca-Cola will donate $20,000 to the winning university’s local food bank and $5,000 to the runner-up.

Founded in 1994, Beat Auburn Beat Hunger and Auburn’s rival Beat Bama Food Drive have together generated more than 8 million pounds of food.

Details on drop-off locations and ways to give are available here.

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