As Utahns prepare for Saturday night’s football game between BYU and Utah, one campaign is asking the schools’ fan bases to see past the rivalry vitriol and join together for a good cause.
“The focus of the food drive is tackling hunger together, because we really do want to highlight that we can rival right, that the schools can work together to address hunger, and that the community is the winner in their joint efforts to address hunger in our community,” said CASFB Chief Impact Officer Jessica Miller.
Hunger remains a major issue for many residents in Utah County. In fact, CASFB, located in Provo, says the amount of donations it needs for its food pantry has gone up by 80% in the last fiscal year.
“With inflation and high housing costs, there’s really been an increase in need,” Miller said. “And so it’s great to have this opportunity to partner together to address that growing need.”
How to Get Involved
There are multiple ways for people to get involved.
Food drop-off bins are located at Smith’s in Lehi, Pleasant Grove, Orem, Provo and Springville. Additionally, money can be donated online at the CASFB website.
As of Friday afternoon, the drive has received 600 pounds of food — 400 pounds shy of its 1,000-pound goal — and almost $2,400 in donations, short of it’s goal of $4,000.
Making a Lasting Impact
There’s still time to donate to the cause, though, even after gameday.
“We will have barrels at Smith’s until Nov. 12, and then they are able to make monetary donations online through the 27th,” Miller said.
In the past, several food drives have been organized around the rivalry game, but this is the first one CASFB has been a part of.
With BYU and Utah in the same athletic conference and playing each other on an annual basis going forward, the organization expects this iteration of the food drive to become an annual event.
“We know that as we continue to do it, that donations will continue to grow as more people hear about it, and it’ll just gain momentum year over year,” Miller said.
This unique collaboration between the two schools and community organizations represents a positive step towards addressing hunger in Utah County. The drive is a testament to the power of community coming together, even amidst heated rivalries, to make a difference in the lives of those in need.
