The 31st annual Beat Bama Food Drive wrapped up on Nov. 21, raising 908,928 pounds of food to fight food insecurity in the Auburn area. This year's total was record-breaking, showing the drive's continued success and dedication to addressing hunger.
Since it was established, BBFD has been more than just a food drive, it is a tradition. BBFD raises food and money for the Food Bank of East Alabama in a friendly competition against the University of Alabama’s Beat Auburn Beat Hunger drive, which supports the West Alabama Food Bank.
On Nov. 22, the BBFD committee gathered at the Food Bank of East Alabama to reveal this year’s record-breaking total. The moment marked the culmination of weeks of hard work and collaboration among students, local businesses, campus organizations and volunteers.
“BBFD's reveal is an extraordinary day that is the culmination of the hard work we put into the drive,” Lily Bradford, BBFD President and senior double majoring in accounting and business analytics said. “The emotions are always high, but we know that regardless of the competition's results, we have made a huge impact on both food banks and the food-insecure population across this state.”
BBFD’s 2024 total surpassed last year’s by an impressive 222,121 pounds. In 2023, the drive raised 686,807 pounds of food. This year, BABH contributed 431,120 pounds, meaning that together, the two universities raised over 1.3 million pounds of food to fight hunger across Alabama.
Something new this year that BBFD did to help raise money for the drive was spelling out “war eagle” with 31,000 cans of food on Samford Lawn, to symbolize 31 years of fighting food insecurity. These cans used were donated and brought to the event through BBFD’s partnerships with local businesses and campus organizations
This year’s success was possible due to the campus and community's strong involvement. Some of the things BBFD did to raise money included a dunking booth, benefit nights, limited edition merch, call nights to corporations asking for donations and mailing out letters to friends and family.
BBFD’s annual "Save, Shave, Dye" fundraiser was another highlight of the drive. This tradition allows participants to donate money to determine whether members of the BBFD committee would save, shave or dye their hair. The event brought a fun and lighthearted element to the campaign, while successfully drawing attention and contributions to the cause.
Barrels were placed at convenient locations throughout Auburn, both on campus and in the community, making it easy for people to donate cans of food. Corporate partners and local businesses also played a significant role, providing financial support, donating food and hosting collection sites.
The impact of BBFD extends far beyond the numbers. The food and funds collected directly support the Food Bank of East Alabama, which serves individuals and families facing food insecurity across the region. In a state where hunger continues to affect thousands, the collective efforts of BBFD and BABH make a difference.
“I'm so proud of our new record and our win, but people being fed for the holidays is what this is all about,” Bradford said. I also want to thank the Auburn family for their continued support of our mission— because of you, yes we can!”
Do you like this story? The Plainsman doesn't accept money from tuition or student fees, and we don't charge a subscription fee. But you can donate to support The Plainsman.
