Pasta Bowl returns to combat hunger

0
A collection from last year’s Pasta Bowl. Nearly 10,000 pounds were collected for the food drive. (Submitted photos)
A collection from last year’s Pasta Bowl. Nearly 10,000 pounds were collected for the food drive. (Submitted photos)

By James Feichtner

When one thinks of Hamilton County, one of the first things that probably doesn’t come to mind is a hunger problem. While it may appear to be absent of such an unfortunate circumstance, it is not. Just in the school systems alone, one in seven students face a hunger problem, with some schools rising to one in four, according to the Hamilton Southeastern Foundation website.

Luckily, the HSE School Foundation is combatting this epidemic while raising hunger awareness with the famous Pasta Bowl food drive. Beginning the week of Sept. 1, HSE Schools will be collecting dry pasta donations around the county.

“We’re really raising awareness that there is, in fact, hunger in Hamilton County and in our schools in particular,” HSE School Board President John DeLucia said. “It’s tough to learn when you’re hungry. There’s also a lot of generosity in Hamilton County, so we’re kind of putting that on display and raising awareness, and then to give back in a fun way.”

Originating in 2012, the Pasta Bowl calls out to the community to donate pasta to local food banks. Pasta is the number one choice because of its shelf life, price, flexibility in meals and is easy to make. Last year alone, the Pasta Bowl generated nearly 10,000 pounds of pasta. This year’s goal is 20,000 pounds.

“Honestly, I can’t imagine us not getting it. The support and awareness keeps growing,” DeLucia said.

The proceeds of the donations will be taken to a Hamilton County Harvest Food Bank, where the pasta will be sorted and dispersed among several charities.

“We’re going to make a donation to Second Helpings, which is in Indianapolis, and then St. Louis de Montfort, Fishers United Methodist, the two townships, White River Christian [Church] and then the food bank itself,” DeLucia said.

All schools in the district will be participating. Pasta Bowl donation bins will be placed at various locations around schools, with some classrooms having competitions to see which can collect the most.

Aside from HSE schools, donation bins will also be placed at Fishers Fire Departments, both Delaware and Fall Creek Township trustee offices and the Fishers YMCA. Only uncooked pasta is accepted.

For more information on the Pasta Bowl, visit hsefoundation.org/pastabowl15-feeds-more-than-mudsock.


Current Morning Briefing Logo

Stay CURRENT with our daily newsletter (M-F) and breaking news alerts delivered to your inbox for free!

Select list(s) to subscribe to



By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: . You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact
Share.

Current Morning Briefing Logo

Stay CURRENT with our daily newsletter (M-F) and breaking news alerts delivered to your inbox for free!

Select list(s) to subscribe to



By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: . You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact