The rivalry of Auburn and Alabama has fueled the roar of fans all across the South. There aren't many places you can go without the banter of a "Roll Tide," followed by a determined "War Eagle."
The rivalry that has become a holiday tradition has taken a back seat as the universities partner for a cause greater than any football game.
The Beat Bama Food Drive began in 1994, and over the course of 21 years has raised 4 million pounds of food for the Food Bank of East Alabama.
In the Lee county area alone, there are 24,000 people who are food insecure.
Sarah Perez addressed this issue explaining the goal of the drive.
"As Auburn University students, Auburn is our home, our family," Perez said. "24,000 is almost as many people as we have on campus. This is our chance to change those numbers and to give back to our community."
Everyone loves a good competition. The Auburn-Alabama rivalry became a great way to encourage people to help.
The kickoff for the drive was Oct. 13, and donations will be collected until Nov. 24.
The drive collects cans and cash donations.
The Beat Bama Food Drive staff will be on Haley Concourse every Wednesday from 12-2 p.m. accepting donations.
"This year there is no numerical goal," said Caitlyn Cox, vice president of marketing. "That's not what the dive is about. It's a partnership to raise awareness about the food insecurities in our community."
Food banks struggle around this time of year. With summer over and the holiday season approaching, they are on the last donations from the previous year.
They are in need of an extra push to help them through the coming season and on to next year, which is why participation is so vital.
Advisor Kim King said, "This is the most important time of year, the holidays are approaching and there are a lot of families that will go without if the food bank does not receive the support it needs."
In the past five years, the food drive has raised more than 850,000 pounds of food, with Auburn beating Bama twice.
After the East Alabama Food Bank receives the donations from the drive, they distribute the goods to various agencies such as local churches, soup kitchens and much more.
The winner between the universities will be announced at the Iron Bowl.
"We want to make sure we are educating the community about food insecurities, because this is a real issue that many families struggle with," King said.
Students are encouraged to get involved and raise community support, because Auburn is home, and the desire of the drive is to make Auburn a better place for the family.
Drop off locations can be found around campus, at local grocery stores or those wishing to give can donate on the Beat Bama Food Drive's website.
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