On Friday, Nov. 8 during PRIDE Time, BHS Student Council kicked off its annual Gobble Away Hunger Thanksgiving Food Drive, ending on Tuesday, Nov. 19 at 9:30 a.m. Different levels of awards are offered for individual classes and the school overall depending on how much food is brought in. If a grade brings in at least 2,500 points, they will be awarded a study hall, and if the entire school reaches 14,000 points in total, there will be a half-day off of school on the day before Christmas break. The class that brings the most points overall will win a pizza party from Student Council. 

On the first Tuesday and Wednesday of the food drive, points will be increased for items brought in. On Tuesday, points will be doubled, and on Wednesday they will be taken times 1.5. This is to encourage students to bring in their items earlier in the drive as compared to previous years where students wait until the last minute to bring in items. This will help Student Council predict whether or not the school will reach the set goal of 14,000 points. 

Different amounts of points are awarded for groups of food items, but the system has been changed slightly this year due to the Mitchell County Food Pantry receiving a grant from Blue Cross/Blue Shield. Healthier food items with lower starch, sodium, and fat are strongly encouraged, as well as sugar-free items.

Ramen Noodles, a popular item in the past, are discouraged due to these new guidelines. Items not on the list are still accepted, but points provided will be determined by Student Council. Sugar and flour are not accepted. If you collect money to donate to the food pantry, deliver it to your class’s collection teacher, and please ask the donor if someone else has already contacted them before asking them for more money.