Auburn, Ala. (EETV) — The Beat Bama Food Drive (BBFD) at Auburn University is in full swing this year marking its 31st anniversary with a mission to collect food donations for the Food Bank of East Alabama.
Since its founding in 1994, BBFD has provided over 11.5 million pounds of food to those in need while fostering a friendly yet intense rivalry with the University of Alabama.
Lily Bradford, the president of BBFD, expressed the campaign’s vision and growth: “Every year since my freshman year, the campaign has grown on what we did the previous year.” Bradford shared that her goal for the 2024 drive is to have the entire Auburn campus and community unite behind this drive, noting that this includes raising more donations and educating people about food insecurity.
BBFD has evolved into one of Auburn’s most impactful organizations, with students like freshman Montana Maslonka eagerly joining the cause. Maslonka reflected on the campaign’s impact: “The Bama food drive means so much to me. It is a way to show my school spirit and how much I love Auburn and make a real impact in my community.” She added that BBFD allows her to help others who struggle with food insecurity, saying, “It’s just more than food. It’s about helping others the same way those have helped you.”
This year, the BBFD team is expanding its reach through social media and partnerships with local businesses and student organizations. It’s also hosting engaging campus events to increase awareness, such as the “Beat Bama Boutique,” which allows students to purchase clothing donated by local stores.
“Every purchase goes towards the drive,” Maslonka explained, highlighting the dual benefits of raising funds and reducing waste.
Bradford emphasized the importance of collaboration with student groups like the University Program Council, helping spread awareness and host events. “I want to encourage all organizations to help out beat Bama Food Drive, the Auburn family, and come behind this mission,” Bradford said.
As Auburn and Alabama continue this year’s competition, the BBFD team hopes to beat last year’s record-breaking donation of 686,000 pounds of food. The friendly rivalry, however, is about more than bragging rights; it’s a chance for the Auburn family to support its community.
