Thank you so much to everyone who participated in our first annual Souper Bowl Can-Struction Contest! Our winner is the “Breakfast of Champions,” created by the students of Central Elementary in Lebanon!
How to build:
- Structures must be supported internally and externally by canned food and/or beverage cans between leveling materials.
- You can use the following materials to help support your build (provided they do not damage cans or labels): Velcro, magnets, zip-ties, tape, silicone, Rubber bands, nylon string, wire mesh or wire,Wood or steel rods, PVC pipe, threaded metal rods.No 2×4’s
- Leveling materials (templates) not greater than 1/4″ thick (6mm)
Examples of approved leveling materials are: cardboard, foam-core, masonite, MDF, plywood, plexiglass, fiberglass. - Props may be used, however, it is best to solve design problems with food items. Try to make them out of food items such as tea or coffee bags, condiment packets, small bags of chips, etc.
- Participating groups are responsible for obtaining their own supply of canned goods.
- Expired canned food should not be used in the competitions as the food cannot be accepted by The Caring Center.
- Groups may solicit canned goods and/or financial donations from Manufacturers, Sponsors, Vendors, and Food Drives.
- Items need to be delivered to The Caring Center by March 15. Canned goods need to be boxed and weigh no more than 25 lbs.
Canned Food Facts:
- Canned Fruits and Vegetables are nutritious. Fruits and vegetables used for canning are picked at peak freshness, ensuring the best flavor and nutrient quality. Canned foods can be just as nutritious as fresh and frozen foods because canning preserves many nutrients, while other nutrients are increased!
- Canned Food is convenient. Canned foods are a convenient and affordable way to incorporate more fruits and vegetables into your diet. The process of canning ensures a long shelf life of at least one to five years. This may be beneficial for people who often throw away fresh produce due to spoilage.
- Cans are environmentally friendly. Canned foods are environmentally friendly because the metal cans are endlessly recyclable. In fact, food cans are the most recycled package in America today. Their recycling rate is more than 2.5 times higher than that of most other packaging options.
- Canned Food is Affordable. Families can stretch their grocery budgets by choosing canned produce and meat. Fresh green beans are nearly 500 percent more costly than canned green beans, according to a Michigan State University analysis. Plus, you save money because
- Canned foods don’t easily spoil. They have a longer shelf life than fresh fruit, vegetables and meats.
- One study found that frequent canned food users consumed more nutrient-dense foods and had an increased intake of seventeen essential nutrients compared to infrequent canned food users.