Larimer County Comes Together Oct. 11 for Cans Around the Oval, Largest One-Day Food Drive in Fort Collins

Thousands of donated canned goods will line the quarter-mile-long Oval at Colorado State University Oct. 11 during the 15th annual "Cans Around the Oval," the largest one-day food drive in Fort Collins.

Colorado State students, faculty and staff as well as local schools and community groups have been collecting canned and durable foodstuffs to donate to the Food Bank for Larimer County. To participate, members of the Larimer County community may drop off canned and non-perishable food donations through Oct. 10 in collection boxes located across campus. Donations are welcome on the Oval Oct. 11 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The cans will be placed around the perimeter of the Oval Oct. 11, with Colorado State President Albert Yates and Rams football coach Sonny Lubick placing the first cans.

Last year, more than 42,000 pounds of food were donated. This year’s goal is 44,000 pounds of food. The Food Bank has an increased need for tuna, peanut butter, canned fruit, cereal, Ensure and Sustecal.

"More than 42,000 people receive assistance from the Food Bank for Larimer County each year," said Mary Golden, assistant director of the Office for Service-Learning and Volunteer Programs. "Cans Around the Oval is a wonderful opportunity to come together and address a real need in our own community."

Cans Around the Oval is sponsored by the Office for Service-Learning and Volunteer Programs, Hartshorn Health Service, Classified Personnel Council, The Rocky Mountain Collegian, KCSU, the Food Bank for Larimer County and Housing and Food Services. For more information about Cans Around the Oval, contact Mary Hallauer at the Office for Service-Learning and Volunteer Programs at (970) 491-1682. For information regarding the Food Bank for Larimer County, contact Wendie Robinson at (970) 493-4477.