For the second year, the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina is challenging communities in its 34-county service area to show team spirit and community spirit by collecting or donating food at parties this year during Super Bowl XLIII Sunday, Feb. 1.

"Fight hunger in your community by collecting or bringing cans of food to a Super Bowl Party or by making an Online Virtual Food Drive Donation," says Peter Werbicki, president and CEO of the Food Bank. "This call to action engages our sports fans in the fight against hunger. Food collected during major food drives go right back out the door to feed those at risk of hunger, particularly with agencies like the pantries, rescue missions and soup kitchens that depend on us seeing a 30 to 50 percent increase in the individuals seeking food assistance."

For every dollar donated, the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina is able to distribute generally $8 worth of food or provide four meals.

The Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina at Sandhills is located on 195 Sandy Avenue, Southern Pines. The Sandhills branch distributes food to partner agencies (rescue missions, soup kitchens, food pantries, after school programs, elderly nutrition programs) in Lee, Moore, Richmond and Scotland counties.

Go to the Food Bank's Web site at www.foodbankcenc.org to participate in the Souper Bowl virtual food drive or collect non-perishable food items at your party, or both.

The items most needed are canned meals (stews, soups, pastas, etc.); peanut butter; cereal; canned fruits and vegetables; rice; paper products; hygiene items (toothpaste, feminine products, soap, etc.); infant products (diapers, wipes, formula, infant cereal -- no loose glass or plastic jars).

For more information, go to www.foodbankcenc.org or call (919) 865-3049.