Troy University is holding its 13th annual Can Castle Contest. The annual event is sponsored by the Office of Civic Engagement and the Student Involvement office.
In the past, the event has been called “Can Castle,” but as of recent years, the Office of Civic Engagement has changed it to “canless” to reduce the number of canned goods in favor of more beneficial and accessible food items such as cereal, crackers, granola bars and more.
The primary intent of the contest is to raise awareness for the Backpacks for Kids program, which address food insecurity around the community as nearly 23% of Pike County residents are food insecure, according to Feeding America
“We want to ensure that kids have access to food in a way that’s something they can easily fix for themselves,” said Lauren Cochran, the coordinator for the Office of Civic Engagement.
Backpack for Kids provides local children with bags containing a breakfast item, a fruit item, an entree and a snack. These food item bags are then donated and delivered weekly to youth serving agencies in Troy.
Cochran encouraged students to get involved.
“Bragging rights are on the table,” Cochran said. “Greek week points are on the table, and it’s usually a fun event for students to get involved in and learn more about being engaged in a local issue.
“It’s easy to get wrapped up in our own busy schedules. I think it’s a great way for students to contribute to the community that they’re a part of.”
The contest is open to any student or Greek organization, athletic team or group. All teams are encouraged to collect and donate nonperishable food items for the contest that will then be provided for Backpacks for Kids to donate throughout Troy’s local community.
On average, the annual event raises approximately 5,000 to 6,000 food items for donation.
“I think civic engagement is important,” Cochran said. “It provides opportunities for the students to learn a lot about the world around them.”
Sadaris Williams, assistant director of student involvement and leadership, explained how the event creates a drive and motivation in those who participate.
“Everybody wants to be in competition because competition is healthy for our souls,” Williams said. “I would encourage students to participate in the event because it’s all about giving back to others.
“It’s about giving something that’s greater than you, that might be beyond you, because you may never know who you’re helping or who you’re serving.”
The event will take place on Troy’s Tailgate Terrace on April 3. Teams will have from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. to build the best castle out of their nonperishable food items. Students’ castles will be judged, and the best-built castle will be granted the winner.
Students can register online at my.troy.edu/cancastle or through the link in the Office of Civic Engagement’s Instagram bio @troy_service.
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