Tackling Hunger
The Rivarly Moves off the Field and into the Community.
USA vs. Southern Miss Tackling Hunger | November 2–13
Two universities, one critical mission: tackle hunger across the Gulf Coast. For two weeks, South Alabama is facing off against the University of Southern Mississippi to see who can collect the most pounds of food. Every donation made on the USA campus directly supports Feeding the Gulf Coast and our own JagPantry.
About the Challenge
Friendly Competition. Major Impact.
It’s more than school spirit—it’s about standing up for our community. From November 2 through November 13, students, faculty, staff, and alumni are coming together to collect non-perishable food items across campus.
The school that collects the highest total weight in food donations takes home ultimate bragging rights and the Tackling Hunger Belt. More importantly, every pound raised stays local to help feed our neighbors and fellow Jaguars.
Where Your Donations Go:
- Feeding the Gulf Coast: Providing emergency food support to children, families, and seniors across Alabama, Mississippi, and Florida.
- JagPantry: Supporting South Alabama students facing food insecurity directly on our campus.
How to Participate
4 Ways to Help USA Win
- Drop Off Non-Perishable Items
Bring shelf-stable food items to any official collection box on campus between Nov 2 and Nov 13. High-weight, nutritious items like canned proteins and whole grains help make the biggest impact on the scoreboard. - Earn Service Hours
Donations made during the challenge are eligible for service/donation hours via South Serves! Be sure to submit your donation proof or log your hours through your South Serves account. Earn 1 service hour for every 5 non-perishable items donated (up to 5 hours max / 25 items)! Log your donations through South Serves under Tackling Hunger. - Host a Collection Drive
Student organizations, academic departments, and residence halls can host their own mini-drives to collect donations and boost USA's overall weight total. Just make sure to place the donations in a bin found around campus. - Spread the Word
Rally your classmates, colleagues, and alumni networks. Use #TackleHungerUSA on social media to show off your drop-offs and challenge other campus groups.
Most Needed Items
Pro-Tip for Winning the Challenge: Canned goods and heavy shelf-stable liquids provide high nutritional value for recipients and add quick weight to our campaign total!
| Category | Recommended Items |
|---|---|
| Canned Proteins | Tuna, chicken, salmon, chili, Vienna sausages |
| Canned Vegetables & Fruit | Beans, corn, green beans, fruit cups, applesauce |
| Hearty Meals & Soups | Canned stews, pasta sauce, canned pasta, thick soups |
| Grains & Boxed Goods | Rice, pasta, mac & cheese, oatmeal, cereal |
| Nut Butters | Peanut butter, almond butter |
Drop-Off Locations
Campus Drop-Off Locations
Boxes and bins will be available in high-traffic areas across campus during regular building hours from Nov 2 to Nov 13:
- Student Center: 1st Floor Main Lobby & Food Court Entrance
- Marx Library: First Floor Atrium (near the Circulation Department)
- USA Recreation Center: Front lobby
- Academic Buildings: Humanities Building, Shelby Hall, HKS, Allied Health
- Residence Halls: Azalea & Camellia Halls
- Mitchell Center: Multiple locations inside main entry points
- Athletics: Administration, Annex, Soccer/Softball, Baseball, Track & Field
- Dining Hall: Lobby
The winner will be announced at the USA/USM game on Nov. 21, 2026 in Hattiesburg, MS.
Let's get to work for our community and bring the Tackling Hunger belt HOME!!!
Go JAGS!