Clemson and USC Kick-off Palmetto Series Food Drive to Benefit Harvest Hope

Today Clemson and the University of South Carolina launched the Certified SC Grown Palmetto Series Food Drive in a coordinated effort to benefit Harvest Hope Food Bank and tackle hunger within their communities. The winner of this match-up will be announced at the Clemson vs. Carolina football game on November 28. 

The University which raises the most donations in non-perishable foods by November 23 will earn a point for their school towards the 2015-16 Certified SC Grown Palmetto Series standings. Collected food donations between the two schools will be measured in pounds, and money donated will be converted to a number of pounds via an equation used by Harvest Hope.

“Harvest Hope is excited that the CarolinaCan/ClemsonCan Food Drive is part of the Palmetto Series this year.” said Denise Holland, CEO, Harvest Hope Food Bank. “What makes a great rivalry is competition and passion.  The one thing that the Palmetto Series CarolinaCan /ClemsonCan Food Drive is going to do is give us a place we can agree. That is that sports fans are helping so many people in need who are suffering with hunger issues on a daily basis. We look forward to seeing this fun rivalry unfold and in the end will be another great story on how the citizens of South Carolina have come together for a greater cause.”

In South Carolina, one in six South Carolina families struggles to find where the next meal will come from, and one in four children will go to bed hungry every night. By participating in the Palmetto Series Food Drive this month, Gamecock and Clemson fans alike will come together to fight the statewide battle of food insecurities and support Harvest Hope.

“As a student-athlete at Clemson, I can’t think of a better way of being able to serve our communities and fan bases alike than a friendly competition between ourselves and the University of South Carolina,” said Clemson Women’s Soccer Player Abby Jones.  “By joining forces and simply donating a can, we are serving a greater cause in helping fight hunger and instilling hope in all those that go hungry across the state. Clemson Can! make a difference one can at a time.”

To participate in the food drive, the Upstate community is invited to visit any of the on-campus collection points including:

·       Clemson Library

·       Vickery Hall

·       Hendrix Student Center

·       Harcombe Dining Hall/Edgar Brown Student Union

·       Brackett Hall

·       Redfern Health Center

·       Athletic Department

·       Daniel Hall

·       Fike Recreation

·       Sirrine Hall

In addition, there will be on-site collection opportunities at the Tiger Tailgate Shows, located outside of Doug Kingsmore Stadium’s Chapman Grandstands:

·       11/7 vs. FSU (show will be from 12:30 – 2:30 p.m.)

·       11/21 vs. Wake Forest (TBA – show will begin three hours prior to kick-off)

Fans can also visit www.harvesthope.org and click ‘EVENTS’ for more program details and/or to donate online.

“South Carolina’s farmers have dedicated their lives to feeding people,” said Commissioner Hugh Weathers. “We work every day to help grow healthy food for families across the state and beyond. We’re honored to help fight the hunger issues across South Carolina and help put food on the tables of our neighbors in need.”

To learn more about the Palmetto Series and/or the Food Drive, visit www.palmettoseries.com. You can also connect online with the Palmetto Series on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

###