Nov. 2, 2015
Today, the University of South Carolina and Clemson University launched the Certified SC Grown Palmetto Series Food Drive in a coordinated effort to benefit Harvest Hope Food Bank and tackle hunger within their communities. The winner of this match-up will be announced at the Clemson vs. Carolina football game on November 28.
The University that raises the most donations in non-perishable foods by November 23 will earn a point for their school towards the 2015-16 Certified SC Grown Palmetto Series standings. Collected food donations between the two schools will be measured in pounds, and money donated will be converted to a number of pounds via an equation used by Harvest Hope.
“Harvest Hope is excited that the CarolinaCan/ClemsonCan Food Drive is part of the Palmetto Series this year.” said Denise Holland, CEO, Harvest Hope Food Bank. “What makes a great rivalry is competition and passion. The one thing that the Palmetto Series CarolinaCan /ClemsonCan Food Drive is going to do is give us a place we can agree. That is that sports fans are helping so many people in need who are suffering with hunger issues on a daily basis. We look forward to seeing this fun rivalry unfold and in the end will be another great story on how the citizens of South Carolina have come together for a greater cause.”
In South Carolina, one in six South Carolina families struggles to find where the next meal will come from, and one in four children will go to bed hungry every night. By participating in the Palmetto Series Food Drive this month, Gamecock and Clemson fans alike will come together to fight the statewide battle of food insecurities and support Harvest Hope.
“At USC and Clemson, many students do not know what it feels like to go to bed hungry and this is the case for many families in our South Carolina community,” said Gamecock Beach Volleyball Player and USC Student-Athlete Advisory President Litsa Darby. “By working with my peers on campus, our great athletic department at The University of South Carolina and the Harvest Hope Food Bank, together we can make a difference. With every donation we raise awareness and we provide meals to those in need. I am very excited for this opportunity to combine the efforts of both schools because every can counts.”
To participate in the food drive, the Midlands community is invited to visit any of the on-campus collection points including:
• Greek Village
• Thomas Cooper Library
• Athletic Village – Dodie and Rice
• Gamecock BI-LO (Garners Ferry)
• 650 Lincoln
• Quads – South Quad/ East Quad
• South Tower
• Shuttle in front of the Horseshoe (College and Sumter St. Intersection)
o Drop off at Journalism School if raining
• Pendleton Street Bridge
• Blatt PE Center and Strom Wellness Center
• Russell House
In addition, there will be on-site collection opportunities 4.5 hours before kick-off at the Gamecock Village, located at the intersection of Bluff Road and National Guard Road:
• 11/14 vs. Florida
• 11/21 vs. The Citadel
Fans can also visit Fans can also visit www.harvesthope.org and click ‘EVENTS’ for more program details and/or to donate online.
“South Carolina’s farmers have dedicated their lives to feeding people,” said Commissioner Hugh Weathers. “We work every day to help grow healthy food for families across the state and beyond. We’re honored to help fight the hunger issues across South Carolina and help put food on the tables of our neighbors in need.”
To learn more about the Palmetto Series and/or the Food Drive, visit www.palmettoseries.com. You can also connect online with the Palmetto Series on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
