KENNESAW, Ga. – Kennesaw State University, in conjunction with Fifth Third Bank (Georgia), have announced its plans to kick off the annual Strike Out Hunger food drive. The community food drive will take place Tuesday, April 26 at KSU when the Owls take on Georgia Southern at Stillwell Stadium with first pitch set for 6 p.m.
 
"This is a tremendous initiative from Fifth Third Bank and we're proud to partner with them in an effort to help strike out hunger," said Vaughn Williams, Director of Athletics at Kennesaw State University. "It is important for us to give back to the community that has meant so much to our success, and I know our coaches and student-athletes are excited to take part."
 
Members of the community are encouraged to donate three or more non-perishable food items to receive a discounted ticket to one of the few premium games remaining on the schedule. Some of the items for the CARE Center include: canned vegetables, fruits and meats, peanut butter, boxed cereal, can chicken/tuna, pudding cups, Gluten free items, pasta noodles or fruit (snack packs and cans).
 

• Tuesday, April 26 – Kennesaw State University vs. Georgia Southern (Stillwell Stadium)
  • Community/fans are encouraged to bring three or more non-perishable food donations to benefit the CARE Center Food Pantry and receive a discounted ticket price of $5.
  • Fifth Third Bank will also donate $53 to the CARE Center for every strike out pitched by a KSU pitcher during the game.

** Disclosure: . Offer available while supplies last. Offer must be redeemed at the Fifth Third Bank marketing table located outside the main gate at Stillwell Stadium on April 26, 2016.  Limit (1) $5 discount per person.  Fifth Third Bank, Member FDIC.
 
"For the past 25 years, the bank has celebrated Fifth Third Day (5/3 on the calendar), thanking our employees and customers, but also giving back to those in need," said Hal Clemmer, regional president of Fifth Third Bank (Georgia). "We're proud to give back to families experiencing food insecurity in partnership with Kennesaw State, the Gwinnett Braves and the Atlanta Community Food Bank, and do our part of end hunger right here at home."
 
This year's Fifth Third Day community goal (focused on fighting hunger and feeding those in need) is to provide one million meals across the bank's 11-state footprint. 
 
"Many do not think of college students when thinking of homelessness and hunger," said Marcy Stidum, Director of the KSU CARE Center. "Most don't consider that not everyone has someone to care for them. The food donated through Fifth Third Bank's Strike Out Hunger Campaign will help the KSU CARE Center to continue to serve and support the over 100 students who rely on our services to combat hunger each academic year."
 
The Campus Awareness, Resource & Empowerment (CARE) Center offers support to students who are dealing with homelessness or are at-risk of being homeless, food insecurity and/or students previously or currently in foster care. In 2015, the CARE Center was able to provide over 8,000 pounds of food to students in need and assisted 14 students in overcoming homelessness and/or avoiding eviction.  This work was made possible through generous donations and fundraising campaigns both by campus groups and through our community partners.