Fighting Hunger One Can At A Time
Today kicks off the month-long campaign for Cans Around the
Oval, a program designed to collect cans of food, money and raise
awareness about hunger in Larimer County.
This year marks the 17th annual Cans Around the Oval. The
program collected more than 86,000 pounds of food last year, a
record they hope to break this year, said coordinator Kristen Reed,
a senior speech communications major.
The food and money raised last year was able to keep the Larimer
County Food Bank stocked for four months.
Ashley Withington, a senior landscape architecture major, said
many people do not realize what a need there is for food in Larimer
County and Northern Colorado.
“There’s a huge issue with hunger. The food bank distributes to
over 100 agencies, including soup kitchens. Lots of people use it
who you wouldn’t think would,” Withington said.
Jessica Goldberger, a volunteer and senior environmental health
major, said the recent economic downturn has only increased the
need for food in Larimer County.
“Many people aren’t as fortunate now and it’s up to us to step
up and do our part to help them out,” Goldberger said.
Cans Around the Oval is supported by local businesses, including
Spoons Soups and Salads, 1118 W. Elizabeth and 172 N. College
Ave.
On Sept. 15, from 2 to 8 p.m., in a program called My Can
Runneth Over, Spoons will donate all of its profits to the food
donation project.
Students responded well to the program last year.
“It was very very successful. We actually sold out of soup at
closing,” said Spoons owner Martin Dickey. “We anticipate a very
busy day this year.”
Last year Spoons raised a total of $2,500 for Cans Around the
Oval.
Dickey feels privileged to be able to do his part for the
community.
“Many of us are a very short distance away from having the needs
and services of a food bank. We’re blessed not to, but you never
know,” Dickey said. “When we learned about Cans Around the Oval we
thought it was a great way to support Larimer County and the
students.”
Goldberger encourages students to get involved and come help
paint cans today on the Lory Student Center Plaza from 10 a.m. to 3
p.m. to raise awareness for the program. The cans are 3-feet-tall
and will be made to resemble food products.
Coordinators of Cans Around the Oval encourage students to step
up and do their part for Larimer County.
“It’s good to know what’s going on in the community and to be an
active member,” Withington said. “It doesn’t take that much time
and is a great way to give back.”
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