The Beat Auburn Beat Hunger food drive is kicking off for the 30th time today at the University of Alabama.

“Food insecurity in Alabama remains a prominent issue with 1 in 7 people being classified as food insecure,” said Rebecca Wilson, president of Beat Auburn Beat Hunger. “Beat Auburn Beat Hunger raises food and monetary donations for the West Alabama Food Bank with each donation helping to feed those in need, who may rely on our drive to feed themselves and their families.

“It is not just our members or campus who aid in our fundraising. We rely on the support of our entire community, as well as Crimson Tide fans from across the nation. Please consider supporting BABH, as we seek to fight food insecurity and beat Auburn.”

A kickoff event will be 10 a.m. Monday at the State Capitol. Representatives from UA and Auburn University will be on-hand as Gov. Kay Ivey will make donations to both universities.

Donation barrels will be stationed across campus and the city of Tuscaloosa. Students, faculty, staff, and community members can all take part.

UA won last year’s food drive by raising a record 565,983 pounds of food. Since the drive began in 1994, UA and Auburn have raised more than 8 million pounds of food.

In addition to collecting canned and nonperishable foods, Beat Auburn Beat Hunger will also accept monetary donations.

Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News.