Schools host annual Hunger Bowl to help local nonprofit fight hunger

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- 

Students in South Bend are tackling hunger on Wednesday during the 7th annual Hunger Bowl. Marian High School and St. Joseph High School are participating in the event. The schools are competing to raise the most food and monetary donations for the St. Vincent de Paul Society's food pantry. 

"Usually the food that they donate from the two schools is able to fill our pantry for the entire month," said Anne Watson, the executive director at St. Vincent de Paul Society. "It's a very large impact. Such a small sacrifice on their part becomes a huge benefit to us."

The St. Vincent de Paul Society is a nonprofit that focuses on the emergency needs of those in St. Joseph County. The organization provides food, financial assistance, clothing and educational courses. Around 50,000 people use the St. Vincent de Paul Society's food pantry annually.

Since the Hunger Bowl event started, more than 14 tons of food has been donated to the society. Watson says she hopes the event also helps the students. 

"Things like this, participation with nonprofits where there is a very direct local effect helps our students see that the world is bigger than them," said Watson. "I know they're very focused on college and on their futures, but when they can step back and take a look and say 'I'm helping my neighbor,' we hope that stays with them as they move on in their lives."

The school with the most pounds collected per student will win the Hunger Bowl trophy. 

Nonperishable food donations or monetary donations can be dropped off at either high school between 8 a.m. and noon on Wednesday.