Brigham Young University and Utah Valley University students collected over $27,000 this year for the annual Valley United Against Hunger Food Drive.

The Valley Against Hunger Food Drive has brought together BYU and UVU students in a friendly competition since 2012, encouraging students to collect food and monetary donations to help support those in need in Utah County.

The food drive concluded on Tuesday when a group of students presented Community Action Services and Food Bank with a check for $27,930 — along with 5,680 pounds of non-perishable food items.

Community Action Services and Food Bank is able to leverage the donations that it receives, meaning that every $1 donated can provide approximately 15 pounds of food, enough for three meals, for someone in need.

“If everyone does a little, it goes a long way,” said Tom Hogan, COO of Community Action Services and Food Bank.

Although the popular Cosmo Cupcake Mural was canceled this year, BYU students raised money through a combination of online donations, food and cash collection sites throughout campus and the annual Y RUN event on Nov. 19 where participants committed to not run and instead posted pictures of themselves doing anything except running.

Makayla Howard, a BYU student alumni association member, was impressed with the commitment of the volunteers that helped to collect donations.

“They made this come to life. They were willing to give of themselves and really go the extra mile,” Howard said. “There were a lot of really special moments we are really grateful for.”

UVU students collected donations through proceeds from the Wolverine Cupcakes sale and an Apartment Blitz where complexes near UVU gathered canned food donations.

Shaun Singh, the UVU student alumni advisor, was impressed with how willing students were to lend a helping hand, and the friendly competition that the food drive provides.

“Giving becomes a lot easier when there is a fun challenge involved,” Singh said. “When you hear the cause, giving is more rewarding. We are fulfilling the needs of the community and those of fellow students.”

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