The Alabama-Auburn rivalry usually finds fans on opposite sides, but there is one thing both can agree on: helping Alabama families have enough to eat.
The universities’ annual food drives give supporters a chance to help their neighbors while taking part in a little friendly competition. Now in its 33rd year, the effort began Oct. 1 and continues through Nov. 19.
UA’s Beat Auburn Beat Hunger collects donations for the West Alabama Food Bank. Auburn’s Beat Bama Food Drive supports the Food Bank of East Alabama.
Students lead both campaigns, with faculty, staff, alumni and community members joining in through food donations, monetary gifts and volunteer work.
Last year, Auburn collected 648,305 pounds of food, finishing ahead of Alabama’s 630,624 pounds. Together, the schools provided nearly 1.3 million pounds for their regional food banks.
Since the competition began in 1994, the two universities have raised more than 12 million pounds of food for Alabamians facing hunger, according to the University of Alabama.
Those donations help meet a need felt across the state. Feeding Alabama reports that 919,160 Alabamians experienced food insecurity in 2024, including about one in four children.
At UA, student volunteers organize fundraisers and donation drives and coordinate collection sites throughout Tuscaloosa and Northport. Barrels placed around campus and the community make it convenient to donate food.
Supporters also can give online. The West Alabama Food Bank says each dollar donated helps provide about six meals.
Alabama fans can make a donation, create a fundraising page or join a team. The campaign website also lists donation barrel locations.
Auburn fans can find information on food collection sites, monetary donations and volunteer opportunities through the university’s Beat Bama Food Drive page.
While only one school will finish with the larger total, donations to either campaign will help put food on the table for Alabama families.
Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].
