John Fackler hopes to extend Utah’s two-year winning streak over Brigham Young University to three.
For the 10th consecutive year, the Utah/BYU Food Drive will raise food for the needy around the state and if past results are any indication, local food banks will emerge as the biggest winners.
“In my mind, it’s the rivalry at its best…People really come out for this,” said Fackler, director of business relations for the Alumni Association.
The drive runs in conjunction with BYU’s alumni association, and all donations go directly back into the community, Fackler said.
Local donations benefit the Utah Food Bank, the United Way of Utah County and thousands of needy Utahns.
“Last year, we were able to raise $8,000 overall, and for every dollar donated to a food bank, that turns into $13 of product, so were able to do amazing things last year,” Fackler said.
But this year, the U has a new face and even more support for the food drive.
“We all want to win on the field, but there are things more important than any football game. I hope everyone will give as much as they can to make sure those who need something to eat don’t have to go hungry,” said Utah Head Football Coach Urban Meyer.
According to Fackler, Meyer was quick to lend support to the cause.
“He’s very community minded. He just steps up no matter what he ask of him,” Fackler said.
Utah Food Bank Director Jim Pugh also emphasized the importance of the donations to the community that benefits from them.
“The Utah Food Bank continues to be challenged with meeting hunger needs in Utah. The Utah/BYU Food Drive is a great way for the community to support the food bank and help meet the needs of those less fortunate in our state,” he said.
According to a report issued in 2002 by the United States Drug Administration, Utah has one of the highest food insecurity rates in the country, making donations to local food banks even more important, Fackler said.
“The number of people dependent on food banks across the state has grown dramatically…We really need people to bring donations to the Wyoming game this Saturday,” he said.
Drop-off points are located at the Alumni House, the medical center and the residence halls and donations will also be collected outside the gates of Rice-Eccles Stadium before kickoff this weekend, Fackler said.
The Utah/BYU Food Drive runs through Nov. 22. Cash donations can be made online by visiting the Alumni Association’s Web site at www.alumni.utah.edu.
