The South Plains Food Bank’s 24-hour “Wreck Hunger” food drive wrapped up Saturday afternoon, bringing in canned and non-perishable foods for donations. The bank reports one in eight in the South Plains are considered food-insecure, and that out of 29,000 LISD students, more than 21,000 qualify for reduced-price meals.

The food bank turned to the community for support, and it didn’t disappoint. Among the other supporting organizations, Texas Tech’s Goin’ Band, Lady Raiders basketball, and Red Raider baseball turned out to bring attention to the event — and the need of families across the area.

“One in eight people going out, not knowing when they’re going to get their next meal,” Red Raider baseball’s Ryan Moseley said, “I think that’s a huge deal. I think that everyone should know that they’re going to have a great meal coming up the next time. So, we can just end hunger, and I think that us coming out here, encouraging people to buy the cans, it was just a huge deal for our community.”

“We need to motivate other people to give back,” Lady Raider basketball’s Jamie Roe said. “When they see that even Division I athletes are giving to the community and trying to donate food and all that other stuff… then they’re going to be more willing to do it themselves.”

The drive will be used to support the bank and its efforts up through the winter months. The food bank is always accepting donations of food, money, and time at its headquarters or online. The bank is located at East 47th and Locust, and can be reached at (806) 763-3003. Its website is at SPFB.org.