Midland's Fifth Annual Canstruction event raises hunger awareness

In collaboration with Midland Public Schools, the Midland County Food Assistance Network (MCFAN) launched its fifth Canstruction Midland event on Nov. 6. Hosted by the Midland Mall, the event showcased teams from local schools constructing sculptures made entirely of canned food to promote awareness of food insecurity in our area.

Misty BarronTeam Sketchers from Jefferson Middle School wins first place in their age group for "Sketch for Community" which consists of 1,164 cans.
Students from Midland Homeschool, Bullock Creek High School, Dow High School, Windover High School, Midland High School, Northeast Middle School, Jefferson Middle School, and St. John Middle School used STEAM concepts (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) to craft creative sculptures. 

Technical awards for structural integrity, overall design, and best use of labels were presented during a ceremony at the Midland Mall Center Court. The sculptures were evaluated by a panel of local community leaders, including educators, artists, and engineers.

Misty Barron"The Conductors" from Midland High earned an honorable mention for their "Choo Choo Train" which was crafted from over 1,421 cans of donated food.

Sculptures are showcased at various locations around the Midland Mall. The community is encouraged to come by during business hours to vote for their favorite Canstruction display. Each vote requires a donation of $1, and the winner of the People’s Choice Award will be revealed at 12:30 p.m. on Nov.10.

Misty BarronNortheast Middle School's team Viking Voyagers created 3,2,1 Blast Off from over 1,400 cans.
More than 12,000 cans of food were used to build the sculptures. The cans were purchased from local grocers Family Fare, Kroger, LaLonde’s Market, Meijer, and SpartanNash with support from sponsors. Volunteers and Hidden Harvest assisted in organizing and transporting the food.

All proceeds from Canstruction, including the canned food from the build, will be donated to MCFAN. For further information visit the Canstruction Facebook page or website, or contact the organizers at canstructionmidland@gmail.com.

Misty Barron
Founded in 1992, Canstruction is an international hunger relief charity that raises millions of pounds of food each year for local food banks. Canstruction chapters host citywide competitions where teams compete for awards. Winners from local events advance to compete internationally.

The Midland County Food Assistance Network, formerly known as the Midland County Emergency Food Pantry Network (MCFAN), is a non-profit, tax-exempt charitable organization established in 1983. It is a cooperative effort of area churches and organizations providing food and supplies to Midland County residents in need of food assistance and living near or below the federal poverty level income guidelines. For more information, visit midlandcountyfan.org.