East County Food Bowl rivalry helps stock local pantries

Dec. 2 through Dec. 13

By The Vidette • December 1, 2016 1:30 am
East County Food Bowl rivalry helps stock local pantries

The East County Civil War between Elma High School and Montesano High School will have a ten-day siege during Food Bowl, beginning Dec. 2. The Food Bowl pits the two rival schools against each other in a food and fundraising campaign which runs through Dec. 13.

Last year, the Elma Eagles collected 58,614 pounds ($22,326 and 13,960 pounds of food) for local food banks, including the East County Food Bank, Coastal Harvest and Montesano Food Bank, with each dollar donated counted as two pounds of food. Despite the impressive turnout, the Food Bowl trophy went to the Montesano Bulldogs last year — for the fifth year in a row — with MHS collecting 16,620 of food and $38,454 for a total of 93,529 pounds.

Despite the fierce competition, the fundraising effort is fun-filled time with both schools offering different activities and events for the community.

For more information on Elma High School Food Bowl events, visit the school’s website at www.elma.wednet.edu or call (360) 482-3121 ext. 3304. To help the “Eagles lb. Hunger,” send donations to EHS Food Bowl, 1235 Monte-Elma Road, Elma, WA 98541.

Main Food Bowl events in Elma:

Gordons and Thriftway Grocery Store Brigade: Drop off food or monetary donations, 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday, Dec. 5 through Friday, Dec. 9.

Boot Drive: Drop off money or food at the stoplight in downtown Elma, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Dec. 5, and Monday, Dec. 12.

Hunger Run: A 5K or 10K course, beginning at Elma High School, 9:15 a.m. registration and 10 a.m. race on Saturday, Dec. 10. Registration is $25.

Canvass the Town: (any paper or plastic grocery bag may be used): Donate non-perishable food or money through Saturday, Dec. 3.

Basket Bingo and Dessert Auction: $10 package for all games or $25 family deal for two adults and two children. At the EHS Commons, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Wednesday, Dec.

Dodge Ball Tournament: Sponsor a team for $25. Admission is $3 or six cans of food. Beginning at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 8, at the EHS gym.

For more information on Montesano High School Food Bowl events, visit www.monteschools.org or call (360) 249-4041 ext. 1673. The final weigh-in will be held at Elma’s Bayview at 3:15 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 13. To help the Bulldogs “Take a bite out of hunger,” send donations to Montesano High School ASB/MHS Food Bowl, 303 N. Church Street, Montesano, WA 98563.

Main Food Bowl events in Montesano:

Paper bag drive (any paper or plastic grocery bag may be used): Donate non-perishable food or money through Sunday, Dec. 4. Call (360) 249-4041 for bag pick up.

Old Timee Radio Show: Christmas special edition at the MHS Commons at 7 p.m., Monday, Dec. 5.

McTake-Over: Bulldogs take over the Aberdeen McDonalds, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 6.

Jingle Bell Jog: A two-mile or 12K course from Fleet Park, at 9 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 10.

Boys’ Buff Volleyball: Six cans of food or a $3 donation for entry, 7:30 p.m., Monday, Dec. 12.

Thriftway Collections: Saturday, Dec. 3; Monday, Dec. 5; Wednesday, Dec. 7; Sunday, Dec. 11.