Montgomery, Ala. – Governor Kay Ivey partnered with student leaders from Auburn University and the University of Alabama on Thursday to launch two statewide food‑drive campaigns aimed at reducing food insecurity in Alabama. The event, held at the Governor’s Mansion, marked the 33rd year of the friendly rivalry that now serves a charitable purpose.
Rivalry turned community effort
Students from both campuses, along with their mascots, gathered to announce the “Beat Bama Food Drive” and the “Beat Auburn, Beat Hunger Food Drive.” Governor Ivey urged participants, “Give what you can, spread the word, and help your team run up the score. Whether you yell War Eagle or Roll Tide, we can all agree on beating hunger.”
Organizers said the competition encourages Alabamians to donate to the food‑bank that supports their favorite team’s side of the state. Proceeds will be split between the West Alabama Food Bank and the Food Bank of East Alabama, ensuring that both regions benefit from the generosity of donors.
Leaders highlight impact on families
“Behind every donation is a person – a child who goes to bed with a full stomach, a senior who receives a warm meal, a family that feels the support of their community during a difficult time,” said Nathan Meintjes, president of the Beat Bama Food Drive. He added that volunteers are ready to roll up their sleeves and make a tangible difference in the fight against hunger across Alabama.
Abigail Herschbach, president of the Beat Auburn, Beat Hunger Food Drive, echoed the sentiment, noting, “The harder we compete, the more gets done on both sides of the state. No matter which university comes out on top, the real winners are the families served by the West Alabama Food Bank and the Food Bank of East Alabama.”
Impressive results and future goals
Last year, the combined efforts of the two schools collected more than 1.2 million pounds of food. Since the drives began, participants have donated over 12 million pounds, providing a steady stream of nourishment to thousands of households.
Governor Ivey emphasized that the initiative aligns with her administration’s broader commitment to strengthen families and support community‑based solutions to poverty. “When we come together as Alabamians, we demonstrate the power of faith, family, and personal responsibility to lift one another out of hardship,” she said.
How to contribute
Residents can donate non‑perishable food items at designated drop‑off locations on each campus, as well as at participating churches, community centers, and local businesses throughout the state. The drives will run through the end of the football season, with final tallies announced after the rivalry games conclude.
Community members are also encouraged to spread the word on social media using the hashtags #BeatBama, #BeatAuburn, and #BeatHungerAlabama, helping to amplify the message and reach donors who may not be directly affiliated with either university.
Looking ahead
Organizers hope the momentum generated this year will inspire other schools and civic groups to launch similar initiatives, turning friendly competition into lasting charitable impact. By uniting around a common cause, Alabama demonstrates how tradition and faith can work hand‑in‑hand to protect the most vulnerable among us.
Original reporting: Alabama News Network — read the source article.
