Can Art Competition Helps Feeding South Dakota

SIOUX FALLS, SD - Food donations at the Sioux Falls Food Pantry are down while the need continues to grow. One organization is stepping up.  But before they donate hundreds of cans, they're having a little fun first.

As the holiday season approaches, it's becoming more difficult to stock the shelves at the Sioux Falls Food Pantry. But Jill Smith and others at AIGA South Dakota are stepping up and getting creative along the way.

This Saturday, the professional design organization is hosting an artistic contest. The medium? Cans of food sculpted into designs for the hungry.

"Each team brings their own cans," Smith said. "They have the option to go to other businesses to help sponsor their sculpture or they have employees do a food drive locally at their business, however they want to gather the cans."

The food pantry does need the help. Over the past three years, the number of people coming in is up 65 percent with 20 percent coming in for the very first time.

"The need is so much greater now, especially with the economy downturn. It is just a great way to give back to the community, using creativity and art to do that," Smith said.

This is the first time AIGA South Dakota has hosted the event. They say the bigger the sculptures, the better because more food will be donated to hungry families.

"We have no idea how much we will be able to donate but we are hoping it will be a lot so we can really impact some people here in our community," Smith said.

The sculptures will be on display November 12 to 19 at The Empire Mall.