Published by Communications and Public Affairs 519 824-4120, Ext. 56982 or 53338

News Release

November 02, 2005

26,000 Pounds of Food Collected During 'Trick or Eat' Campaign

University of Guelph students participating in Monday’s “Trick or Eat” event organized by Meal Exchange collected more than 26,000 pounds of food for the Guelph Food Bank — a full 10,000 pounds more than last year. In addition, the students raised more than $700 to assist organizations in Guelph and the surrounding area.

U of G's Meal Exchange program has long held the national title for most donations collected during "Trick or Eat" and is awaiting the final results from more than two dozen other participating campuses to determine whether they continue to hold the record.

“We would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to those who volunteered and to the businesses and campus organizations and associations that supported our cause,” said Leisha Zamecnik, Meal Exchange central co-ordinator and third-year U of G student. “Not only is ‘Trick or Eat’ a fabulous event, but it also kicks off our ‘Skip a Meal’ campaign, which is currently under way.”

Through “Skip a Meal,” meal points and cash donations are collected to buy wholesale products, including specialty items that aren’t often collected in traditional food drives. It benefits 17 organizations throughout the city that support abused women, homeless teens and people who use food banks. U of G students have taken part in the “Skip a Meal” initiative since 1997 and have contributed $180,000 in food for local organizations.