Annual Food Fight collects food for more than 39,000 meals

  • Students collect food

    Food for more than 39,000 meals was collected by Springfield Public Schools students during the 7th annual Ozarks Food Harvest 2018 Food Fight.

    During January, participating SPS schools and partner organizations collected 17,743 pounds of food and $6,141. The food and funds raised will benefit nine area pantries and support the Weekend Backpack Program to sponsor 12 SPS students for a full school year of weekend meals.  

    “Many of our students and their families cope with food insecurity year round,” explained Marty Moore, executive director of learning support. “This annual competition among schools engages students in relevant conversations and helps raise awareness about the issues of hunger and access to food in our community. We’re especially grateful to our partners who supported the efforts of our students.”

    Participation among SPS schools more than doubled in 2018 with 42 schools, assisted by 33 community partner organizations, collecting food and funds.  

    Canned Food

    At the conclusion of the contest, trophies are presented to the winning middle and high schools that collected the most meals per student through competitive food and fund drives. The winning schools also win volunteer opportunities with Ozarks Food Harvest. Elementary schools compete among their schools’ classrooms and the five that collect the most meals within each school feeder pattern will receive field trips to The Food Bank.

    Following are the 2018 Food Fight winners:

    Secondary Schools

    Cherokee Middle School

    Parkview High School

     

    Elementary Schools

    Boyd Elementary (Central feeder)

    Bright Stars Early Childhood Center (Kickapoo feeder)

    McGregor Elementary ((Parkview feeder)

    Pershing Elementary (Glendale feeder)

    Robberson Elementary (Hillcrest feeder)