East Michigan News

As the fall season progresses, the Mid-American Conference football teams are gearing up for mid-week games known as #MACtion. Alongside these games, schools within the conference will engage in a unique off-field competition focused on canned food collection.

The Eastern Michigan University Student-Athlete Advisory Council (SAAC) is set to start collecting non-perishable canned food items this weekend. The Eagles are competing against the University at Buffalo in this charitable contest, aiming to #BeatTheBulls. The objective is straightforward: the institution that gathers more donations by November 17 will win. As part of the stakes, the athletic director from the losing school will don the winning team's colors during their #MACtion game on November 20 in Ypsilanti. The specifics of these 'colors'—ranging from a jersey to a mascot outfit—will be announced later.

This initiative serves not only as an entertaining rivalry but also addresses hunger issues within campus communities. Donations collected at EMU events will benefit Swoop's Pantry and support Kroger Corporation's Fight to End Childhood Hunger initiative.

Additionally, fans contributing canned goods can earn free game tickets. A donation made at Gate 2 of Rynearson Stadium on November 2, prior to the University of Toledo vs. EMU football match, will grant a complimentary ticket to see EMU face Buffalo on November 20. Furthermore, donations at any men's or women's basketball games before November 17 secure a free ticket to an upcoming EMU basketball game.

Items recommended for donation include seasonings like salt and pepper, condiments, rice, pasta, ramen noodles, beans, canned tuna, and canned vegetables.