For the past ten years FOOD for Lane County and the UO Athletic Department have teamed up for Oregon football’s annual spring game with the goal to help provide food for families in need within Lane County.
About 36,000 Duck fans flocked to Autzen Stadium last year to watch an Oregon football practice, and the donation of three cans to the food bank grants entry to the stadium. In previous years they have had crowds in the 40,000s.
The outcome has been successful, as last year’s spring game brought in 60 thousand pounds of food.
According to Brad Bassi, Food Resource Developer for FFLC, the goal this year is to reach 65 thousand pounds, and they are confident they can do so.
This year’s spring game will mark Bassi’s first, as he just hired in October. Although he has experienced food drives similar to Saturday’s, he said he is looking forward to his first spring game. With a staff of eight people, as well as about 15-20 volunteers greeting people at the front gates of Autzen Stadium, FFLC will receive about enough food to fill up two tractor trailers and two delivery trucks within an hour and a half time period.
“When the events are able to engage that many people all at once to help feed their neighbors in need it’s a very powerful thing,” Bassi said. “When that many people come together to pitch in it is very moving.”
Bassi added that the spring game is also a great way for families who normally couldn’t afford to have an Autzen Stadium experience.
Craig Pintens, Senior Associate Athletic Director for UO’s Athletic Department agreed that it’s a great opportunity for anyone to come to the game, especially since Autzen Stadium has had a 96-game sell out streak.
“The spring game is fantastic because it allows people to have that experience of a game,” Pintens said. ”We are thrilled that we are able to partner with FOOD for Lane County and have a record total of food donated.”
The UO athletic department and FFLC have had a long partnership and excess food from home football games in the fall is also donated to FFLC.
UO business professor Rick Mowday has volunteered at FFLC for so long he jokes that he can’t even remember when he started. Mowday often helps out each week at the sorting center and has also volunteered at many spring games. At the spring game he helps with collecting the food, as well as suggesting to people about the option of a money donation.
“Last year we got to close to 1,700 dollars, and FOOD for Lane County says that for every dollar they get, they can serve three meals,” Mowday said. “It really multiplies.”
Fifty percent of the people FFLC serves are children and they accept any non-perishable food for donation. However, Bassi said they encourage people to bring food with high quality protein such as peanut butter, tuna, cans or soup or chili, as well as canned fruits or vegetables that are low in sugar.
Although FFLC receives thousands of pounds in food at one time, Mowday said that the spring game isn’t hectic due to the gameday-like spirit.
“Everyone is very upbeat and excited because its the spring game,” Mowday said. “I think everyone loves FOOD for Lane County because of its mission and they do great work within the community. It’s just a really nice day with a family atmosphere. People bring their kids and just have a good time.”
As a professor at UO, Mowday encourages students and others on campus to help volunteer because he believes it is very important. For Mowday, it is simply about giving back to the community to meet a great need. Mowday says that is something very apparent when he helps out in the dining halls occasionally.
“These are people that live very difficult lives and they may not always be in the best mood, but no matter what, I always get a thank you from them.”
Follow Beth Maiman on Twitter @bethamaiman