(Harrisburg, PA) – The Big 33 recently kicked-off its annual school food drive competition to benefit the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank. Big 33 organizes and leads this annual effort with the assistance of members of the Pennsylvania State Corrections Officers Association, who help to coordinate food drive pickups and deliveries to the Food Bank.

“Each year the Big 33 food drive provides a significant donation of food, which makes a real difference to our neighbors in need,” said Food Bank Executive Director Kendall Hanna. In 2008, thousands of local students helped reduce hunger by donating items totaling 12,262 pounds.

Due to the increased need for food assistance as a result of the struggling economy, Big 33 staff developed a plan to get more schools involved and motivate participants to increase the amount of food donated. “The Big 33 is once again excited to be out in the community partnering with the Pennsylvania State Corrections Officers Association, local schools, and the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank to provide food for the hungry. We are happy to continue our excellence in youth mission by reaching out to those in need through the efforts of local students,” said Dave Trimbur, Interim Executive Director of the Big 33.

School participating including Bible Baptist School, Camp Hill High School, Central Dauphin East Middle School, Cedar Cliff High School, Cumberland Valley High School, East Pennsboro Area High School, Hershey High School, Linglestown Elementary School, Middletown Area High School, North Side Elementary School, Palmyra High School, Paxtang Elementary School, Susquehanna Township High School and Trinity High School.

The Big 33 offices at 4750 Lindle Road in Harrisburg will also serve as a collection location for non-perishable food items through November 16, for anyone who would like to contribute.

The Central Pennsylvania Food Bank is a not-for-profit organization that is able to reduce hunger in 27 counties across Pennsylvania, by working with nearly 500 local agencies to provide food to 35,000 people in need every week. For more information on the Food Bank and its mission to reduce hunger in Pennsylvania, visit www.centralpafoodbank.org