UNC Charlotte’s Sports Clubs program won the second “First in Flight Fight Against Hunger,” a statewide competition to collect canned food to assist community organizations that serve those in need.
Participating athletes of sports clubs at the University collected more than 3,100 pounds of nonperishable food items, which they donated to the Jamil Niner Student Pantry. Located at 1224 John Kirk Dr., the pantry provides assistance to UNC Charlotte undergraduate and graduate students that struggle with food insecurity. To qualify, students must live off campus and not have a meal plan.
The Niners’ collection averaged 4.13 pounds of canned food per athlete (750 participating athletes); the next closest institution was East Carolina University, with an average of 1.25 per athlete (1,305 participating athletes). ECU’s effort benefited the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina.
Eight universities across the state competed in the “First in Flight Fight Against Hunger” contest. UNC Charlotte won the inaugural event held in December 2015.
"I'm proud that our Sports Clubs members improved on their winning performance from last year, going from 2,200 pounds to 3,142 this year," said Kemet Gatchell, assistant director, Sports Clubs.
Organizers noted the purpose of the competition was to promote cooperation and teamwork in an attempt to make a difference for North Carolina communities.