Hokie ClubOn Monday, Feb. 19, Smithfield, sponsor of the Commonwealth Clash, is challenging all basketball game attendees to bring in nonperishable food items for donation to the Market of Virginia Tech. And for every pound of food collected, Smithfield will donate $1 to the food pantry for up to $5,000.
Since the 2014-2015 academic year, the brand has partnered with Virginia Tech and the University of Virginia in the rivalry between the schools across all school-sponsored sports — becoming the presenting sponsor of the Smithfield Commonwealth Clash in the 2021-2022 season. But for Smithfield, this sponsorship means more than just promoting athletics. Throughout the year, the company looks to support the communities surrounding UVA and Virginia Tech,
including each school's food pantry.
The Market of Virginia Tech, an initiative of Student Affairs, was developed to provide support to students currently experiencing food insecurity. Program participants receive a variety of produce, proteins, dairy and nondairy products
and shelf stable items on a weekly basis. Supported by a $1.5 million donation from alumni couple Hema and Mehul Sanghani, the program launched in 2020 to provide up to 115 students at a time with weekly grocery shopping and last
semester The Market served 350 additional students through other initiatives including Open Market hours and Pop-Up pantries. The Market's top preferred foods are rice, peanut butter, canned protein, canned soup and canned beans or
vegetables.
Credentialed media is invited to attend the game and capture interviews, b-roll and photos.
DETAILS
Monday, Feb. 19, 2024
5:30 p.m. (ET)
Food drive collection outside west/ Beamer Way entrance starting at 5:30 p.m.
Check presentation will be held on court during game's first half.