The annual food drive has created additional events and activities available to students this year to increase engagement and allow opportunities for students and other members of the community to donate.

SA Board President Charlie Weissman said the school plans to give the donations to the Northfield Food Pantry and the ARK, which are both locally-based organizations. Non-perishable items such as boxed or canned foods are acceptable donations.

Weissman said the food drive began on Feb. 6 with Foodapalooza, a new event that included food, live music and a volleyball tournament. On Feb. 23, the SA Board is scheduled to host a day of giving throughout Northbrook at stores such as Waterway Carwash and Sunset Foods. Money and food will still be collected, except this year the drive will expand to more grocery stores compared to previous years.

Ellie Scott, SA Board vice president, said the SA Board plans to get more people involved by having a booth outside the Variety Show and talking to students and family members about the food drive on their way into the show.

“[The SA Board is] going to get money from the Turnabout tickets too,” said Scott. “$2 from each ticket go to the food drive.”

According to Michael Tarjan, assistant principal of student activities, a classroom competition is scheduled to occur during the week of Feb. 24 in which block 2-3 classes compete to donate the most food for a prize.

The SA Board hopes to make an appearance at basketball games, swim meets, music concerts and other school activities throughout February to promote donations, Tarjan said.

“We’re looking at how we can have a presence [at these events] and tap into the adult community as well as the student community to help this cause,” Tarjan said.