Beat Bama food drive may not meet goal

There are four days left until the Iron Bowl and things have already gone into overtime of sorts.

Now in its 18th year, the Beat Bama Food Drive, which originally was slated to end Monday, will continue through Tuesday, said Martha Henk, director of the Food Bank of East Alabama. The food drive is part of an annual competition between Auburn University and the University of Alabama.

The students set a goal to raise 271,000 pounds of food in this year’s “Beat Bama” Henk said.

“I think we’re falling far short of that goal,” said Henk, who added that the food bank supports more than 100 agencies. “We’re concerned for this next year.”

“I think it’s probably not an exaggeration to say that the way this food drive goes really impacts our ability to provide food during through the Christmas holidays,” Henk said. “I think if we make 100,000 pounds we’ll be doing really well.”

Henk says she feels the Food Bank is OK for the Thanksgiving holiday.

The West Alabama Food Bank’s “Beat Auburn, Beat Hunger” Food Drive will also continue through Tuesday.

Between their annual “Beat Auburn, Beat Hunger and Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive,” coordinated with postal carriers, a large portion of the West Alabama Food Bank’s annual donations are generated, said Henry Lipsey, Executive Director of the West Alabama Food Bank, who added that the food bank serves about 80 agencies.

Although it’s been a more difficult Lipsey says he feels the WAFB is on pace toward collection the 200,000-plus pounds of canned goods and non-perishables it did last year, Lipsey said.

“The kids at the university here have really worked hard to make it work,” said Lipsey, who mentioned that with so many donations coming in after the storms in April, that some might not be able to give as much later.

Henk possibly attributes drive getting off to a slower start to leaner economic times coupled with the rising need for the services that the food bank provides. Henk says approximately 17.3 percent or 22,550 Lee County residents would be considered food insecure.

Henk says the food bank will continue to be wise stewards of whatever support is available to them.

“I’m a big believer in that we’re asked to not necessarily be successful but to be faithful and whatever resources are put into our hands, that’s what we’re responsible for,” Henk said. “And that’s what we’re going to focus on.”

How you can still help:

» Most local grocery stores have a collection barrel.

» Food can be dropped off at the Food Bank (375 Industry Drive, Auburn).

» There are locations on campus. Those locations can be found at www.beatbamafooddrive.com

For more information, call 334-821-9006 or email ddemous@foodbankofeastalabama.com.