Pittsburg KS and Joplin MO are set to see the United We Can Food Sculpture Challenge!
(Pittsburg, KS) – United Way of Southwest Missouri and Southeast Kansas is kicking off its 2022-2023 campaign in a new way by hosting the United We Can Food Sculpture Challenge September 6 through September 20 to benefit area food pantries.
The United We Can Food Sculpture Challenge is a contest where businesses, organizations, and other groups build sculptures made primarily from canned and nonperishable food items as well as other basic need items. Following the event, United Way of Southwest Missouri and Southeast Kansas will distribute the collected items to area food pantries.
“Our campaign theme this year is United We Can so we wanted to do something different for our kickoff event that tied into the theme,” said Duane Dreiling, Executive Director of United Way. “We feel this is a perfect way for businesses and organizations to have fun and help our area food pantries at the same time.”
United Way of Southwest Missouri and Southeast Kansas is currently looking for businesses, organizations, or other groups who would like to participate. Bob Burk, Director of Resource Development and Community Engagement for United Way said teams can design and build any kind of sculpture and it can be as simple or ornate as they would like.
“Designing and building a canned food sculpture is a fun, creative engagement opportunity for employees or other members of a team while also helping combat food insecurity in our communities,” added Burk. “Plus, it’s a contest so a little competition can add to the fun.”
Burk noted the rules are pretty simple. Props, including signage, and other supporting materials can be used, however sculptures must be comprised of at least 50 percent nonperishable food items and/or basic need items. Additionally, the collected items cannot be painted, taped, have the labels removed or altered in any way that makes them unsuitable for donation. The items must also not be expired.
Participants can choose to construct their sculptures at Northpark Mall in Joplin or Meadowbrook Mall in Pittsburg during regular mall hours between Tuesday, September 6 and Sunday, September 11. The sculptures will be on display September 13 through September 20. Entrants may also choose to build their sculptures in their office or workplace instead of the mall.