Off the Gridiron: Hunger Bowl

EVANSVILLE, Ind. (WEHT) – The Memorial Tigers and the Mater Dei Wildcats raised money to battle food insecurity in Evansville with the eighth annual Hunger Bowl.

The two sides come together for a friendly competition to see which side can raise more money for the St. Vincent DePaul Food Pantry. Food pantry director Sister Donna Herr said it’s a challenge she welcomes.

“It certainly helps, we buy a lot of food because we go through a lot of food,” she said. “All the donations that we receive are very helpful and they go directly to the people that need it.”

The pantry serves 2,800 people and 1,200 homes. Mater Dei Principle Darin Knight said this is what the night is all about.

“We talk about the importance of entering to learn and go forward to serve,” he said. “And it starts right here with our tristate and our community and feeding those that need the help.”

Memorial Athletic Director Chad Dockery said the night is important for his teams and students.

“For us to take kind of a moment of pause and think about things in life that are really important, like serving others and helping others in regards to raising money and raising goods to help feed those in need is really important.,” he said.

Over the eight seasons of the Hunger Bowl, both sides have raised over $90,000. But just last year alone, donations reached nearly $25,000.

Sister Herr and the St. Vincent DePaul Food Pantry set a new goal for the 2024 season of $40,000. A mark Knight said they would be happy to meet.

“It is growing by leaps and bounds so we will be thrilled if we match or beat last year’s number and I am sure Sister Donna will as well,” he said.

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