COLUMBIA, S.C. –Clemson and USC have kicked off a competition that will benefit the Harvest Hope and Golden Harvest food banks. The Certified SC Grown Palmetto Series Food Drive will see which school can bring in the most food to tackle hunger in their communities.

The food drive was already planned, but it comes when the food banks desperately need the additional resources. “We’re up over 800,000 meals just in response to the hurricane, so the Palmetto Series is really coming at a perfect time to help us kind of restock our pantries so we can help the people in the community restock theirs as well,” says Jamie Peebles, marketing manager for the Harvest Hope Food Bank.

The university that raises the most donations in non-perishable food by November 21 will get one point towards the 2016-17 Certified SC Grown Palmetto Series standings. SC Department of Agriculture spokesperson Stephanie Sox says, “It’s one point for every matchup, from football and basketball to track and field, diving, volleyball, and then there’s also a point for academics and, again, a point for the food drive.”

Last year, the food drive brought in more than 200,000 meals. The goal this year is at least 250,000.

For the competition, food will be measured in pounds. People can also donate money, which will be converted to the corresponding number of pounds based on a formula used by Harvest Hope and Golden Harvest.

To participate in the food drive, Gamecock and Clemson fans alike are invited to donate canned goods at the following participating BI-LO stores:

  • BI-LO 5270 (2901 S Main St, Anderson, SC)
  • BI-LO 5277 (1704 E Greenville St, Anderson, SC)
  • BI-LO 5709 (4405 Hwy 24, Anderson, SC)
  • BI-LO 5539 (501 Old Greenville Hwy, Clemson, SC)
  • BI-LO 5282 (4464 Devine St, Columbia, SC)
  • BI-LO 5615 (2349 Augusta Rd, West Columbia, SC)
  • BI-LO 5723 (300 Knox Abbot Dr., Cayce, SC)
  • BI-LO 5578 (2453 Charleston Highway, Cayce, SC)

South Carolinians are also invited to visit any of the on-campus collection points at the two Universities – or visit http://www.scfoodbankassociation.org/palmetto-series for more program details and/or to donate online.

To donate $10 via text, Gamecock fans can text HHFB Cocks to 501501 – and Clemson fans can text HHFB Tigers to 501501.