On March 14, Solanco Neighborhood Ministries (SNM) kicked off its first Food Fight program, a March Madness-themed fundraiser to encourage the community to donate nonperishable foods throughout the month. Until Monday, April 3, participating businesses will collect donations from a list of goods provided by SNM. At the end of the collection period, the businesses that collected the greatest amount of donations will compete with each other in a basketball shootout on Wednesday, April 12.

SNM compiled the list of 16 goods for businesses to collect based on what the organization's food bank is often short of. The "Sweet 16" list includes items such as canned meats, canned fish, fruit cups, pasta, Chef Boyardee microwave meals, canned vegetables, cooking oil and mayonnaise.

The businesses competing in the Food Fight will be divided into four brackets: Cinderella Story, which entails collecting 50 to 99 lbs. of food; Long Shots, for collections between 100 and 199 pounds of donations; Fan Favorites, for total donations between 200 and 299 pounds and The Dynasty, which comprises business that collect over 300 pounds of goods. SNM will place participating businesses into each bracket based on size and collection ability so that smaller businesses are able to compete with larger companies.

SNM was inspired to create the fundraiser by two local churches that previously used the competition format to elicit donations from the community. During the spring months, SNM often sees fewer donations, and it hopes that the event will help it to cover the community's needs. "Donations often pick up during the holidays, but February through the summer is always the slowest part of the year," said Todd Capitao, SNM's director of programming. Capitao added that SNM hopes to hold the Food Fight annually and will use the format for an event this summer that will involve local churches.

In addition to the spring being a time when SNM sees fewer donations, Capitao said that this year is especially important to increase donations. On March 1, the government reduced food security benefits, and SNM has been attempting to assist locals who were dependent on the program. Another obstacle that SNM hopes to overcome with the fundraiser is the increase of food prices; the cost of many items has doubled since last year. The more items that SNM is able to receive in donations, the less it has to use funds to special order goods that the community needs.

The business that wins the basketball shootout will receive a trophy that has been donated by JDog Junk Removal & Hauling and it will be decorated with the business's name and the year of the event. The location of the concluding ceremony has not been finalized yet. For more information, search for "Solanco Neighborhood Ministries" on Facebook.