Nov. 4, 2008

EAST LANSING, Mich. - Michigan State University's Division of Housing & Food Services and Athletics Department will co-sponsor the second annual "Help Tackle Hunger Food Drive" on Saturday, Nov. 8 at the MSU-Purdue football game.

"Last year, we had a big win with 600 pounds donated to very needy families and our goal is to double that this year," Becky Dantonio, event chair and wife of MSU head football coach Mark Dantonio, said. "We're going to `bring it' on the field against Purdue, and we're looking to the MSU community to `bring it' to donation sites."

MSU is seeking donations of food and personal care items for the Greater Lansing Food Bank and the MSU Student Food Bank. The greatest need exists for non-perishable goods such as beans, canned goods, boxed meals, pasta, peanut butter, rice and instant potatoes.

Donations will be accepted from Monday, Nov. 3 through Friday, Nov. 7 at the MSU Union, Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center, Spartan Village Community Center, University Apartments Community Center and in all residence hall lobbies. On Saturday, Nov. 8, contributions may be brought to marked collection points near Spartan Stadium and in popular tailgating lots 89, 92 and Munn Field. Monetary donations also will be accepted at all Sparty's coffeehouses and the Union Central Store during collection week, and in Spartan Stadium on game day.

"It is a pleasure to once again partner with the Athletics Department and deliver outstanding Spartan experiences to our community members in need," Assistant Vice President for Housing & Food Services Vennie Gore said. "In these tough economic times, it is important for us all to band together and make a difference."

Visit www.fooddrive.msu.edu for additional information and a list of suggested donation items.