On October 23 members of the Castleton community came together to participate in Canstruction, an initiative designed to increase food donation to those in need. Director of Women and Gender Studies at Castleton, Melinda Mills led the initiative on campus through her Community in American Society class, collecting cans of non-perishable food items, and constructing the artistic sculptures.
Part of Canstruction, Inc, an international non-profit organization that holds annual design and build competitions to construct fantastic, giant sized, structures made entirely out of canned food, the structures are photographed and submitted for judging before being taken down and donated to charity.
Castleton participated in the event for the first time two years ago, and thanks to generous donations from the Vermont Country Store, Healthy Living Market, Hannaford, Price Chopper and other Canstruction contributors this year’s event was another success.
Due to the upcoming holiday season Mills said it’s important to participate in things like this for people who don’t have what others may.
“This time of year food shelves are super low and with the meaning and sentiment attached to the holidays these things are important to do,” Mills said.
Her students found locations in the campus center, unloaded cans from her car and started building structures; a rainbow, a sand castle and a ghost.
“I think it’s important because this time of year there is a huge demand for food in food shelves, to replenish for Thanksgiving,” William Schneider, a student in the class, said.
Through the event the Community in American Society class was able to donate almost 700 cans of food to four local food shelves and services organizations. Castleton Cares, Fair Haven Concerned, Salvation Army of Rutland and Wilton Food Bank were all recipients.
“They are very appreciative of our donations,” said Mills. “Thanks again for joining in the fight to end hunger.”