汤头条app Timberwolves host annual Hunger Games on February 1

Sports fans who support a worthy cause can gain free entry into the North Central Michigan College men鈥檚 and women鈥檚 basketball games on February 1. The are joining their counterparts in the Michigan Community College Athletic Association (MCCAA) by hosting their inaugural Hunger Games double-header vs. the visiting Alpena Community College Lumberjacks.

An annual tradition in the MCCAA, the Hunger Games bring member institutions closer together through friendly competition and mutual participation in acts of service. In addition to increasing awareness about food insecurity, the Hunger Games provide an opportunity to raise funds and secure donations for the local community.

Donations will be tallied and delivered to local community food pantries. At the end of the conference season, the MCCAA crowns the winner of the contest with the coveted Hunger Games plaque. In 2022, the MCCAA Hunger Games collected 4,400 pounds of donations for food pantries in its service areas.

鈥淭he MCCAA Hunger Games are the perfect events to showcase what we do best in the world of athletics: engage with the community, foster an environment that churns out civic-minded young adults and, of course, compete," said Al Perry, MCCAA's executive administrator.

All funds and items donated on February 1 will support North Central鈥檚 Campus Cupboard, the year-round, on-campus food pantry available to any North Central student. In lieu of purchasing tickets, fans will gain entry by bringing an item or making a monetary donation to the Campus Cupboard.

Opened in 2019, the Campus Cupboard has provided nearly 16,000 pounds of food and personal hygiene items to North Central students and their families. Items needed currently include boxed meals, pasta, canned fruit and vegetables, toiletry items and diapers. For a full list of suggested donation items, visit the Campus Cupboard webpage.

A 2020 study by The Hope Center for College, Community, and Justice found that 38 percent of students in two-year colleges reported experiencing food insecurity鈥攊.e, reduced food intake or disrupted eating patterns due to a lack of money or other resources for food鈥攊n the previous 30 days. Food insecurity among college students can affect both academic performance and health, resulting in a lower GPA, decreased attendance and completion rates, and stress and depression.

If you would like to donate but are unable to attend the February 1 games, visit /about-us/foundation/donate.html.

The women鈥檚 Hunger Game tips off at 5:30 p.m. at Petoskey Plastics Arena. The men鈥檚 game will follow at approximately 7:30 p.m.