Nov. 2, 2009

UCI competes against Long Beach State in the 1st Annual "Clash of the Cans"

UC Irvine and Long Beach State invite all fans to join in the competition in the first annual "Clash of the Cans" food drive that runs Nov. 2 through Dec. 18. This is another opportunity for bragging rights in the "Black and Blue" rivalry series which challenges each campus to donate the most food by weight to the Orange County Food Bank.

According to the Orange County Food Bank, over 15 million pounds of food is distributed annually and the need is even greater this year. In addition to the 23,000 people that the Food Bank serves directly each month, it provides food and personal care items to over 300 non-profit service organizations, such as social service agencies, churches, shelters, soup kitchens and senior centers. These organizations serve the homeless, disabled persons, seniors on fixed incomes, the unemployed and the working poor.

How to Participate:

1. Pick up free food collection bags

On the UCI campus, pick up a "Clash of the Cans" collection bag at the main Parking office or drive through any of the parking kiosks. You may also email fooddrive@pts.uci.edu to arrange for bag delivery.

2. Fill bag with non-perishable goods Most needed items:

o Canned meats (chili, baked beans, stews)
o Canned fruits and vegetables
o Personal care items (laundry soap, lotion, diapers)
o Dry foods (rice, cereal, pasta, formula)
o Pancake mix o Coffee/tea
o Peanut butter and jelly

3. Drop off bag at food collection bin

At UCI:

o All parking kiosks
o Main Parking office
o Bren Events Center during home athletics events
o Crawford Hall
o Include your business card or your UCI email address in the bag and be entered to win a UCI Collegiate Bike

Do you want to do more?

In addition to participating in this food drive, there are many other ways to get involved. The Community Action Partnership of Orange County and the Orange County Food Bank are always willing to receive donations of goods, time, and money. Volunteers to work their various programs are also welcome. Let's show our Anteater pride and let them know how we can help! For more information contact us at fooddrive@pts.uci.edu.