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Carmel, Westfield take on food insecurity in competition ahead of football playoffs. How to help

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, November 5th 2025 at 7:03 GMT by The Indianapolis Star
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High‑School Football Playoffs Become a Hunger‑Fighting Platform in Hamilton County

When the late‑afternoon sun fell on the cracked, green field of the Hamilton County football stadium on Friday, November 1, 2025, the excitement of a playoff game was amplified by a deeper purpose. The 5‑A matchup between Carmel High School and Westfield High School wasn’t just a battle for a playoff spot; it was a head‑to‑head competition that pitted two teams against each other to see who could raise the most money for the Hamilton County Harvest Food Bank. The “Hunger Games” format—so named by local reporters—merged the love of the sport with the urgent need to fight food insecurity in the region.

The Genesis of the Hunger‑Games

The idea for the Hunger Games originated with the football coaches from both schools, who have a long history of community service. “We’ve always tried to use our platform to give back,” said Westfield coach Mark Jensen. “This year, we decided to make it more interactive and fun.” The concept was simple: each player’s contribution would be tallied, and the team that raised the most money would be declared the winner. The winning team earned bragging rights, and the money raised would go straight to the Harvest Food Bank to help families in need.

The Harvest Food Bank, established in 1997, serves the entire Hamilton County area and is one of the largest food‑distribution organizations in Indiana. According to the bank’s website, it distributes more than 1 million pounds of food each year to over 10 000 families. Its mission is to end hunger and food insecurity in the region through collaboration with community partners, volunteers, and donors.

How the Competition Works

Each player received a small packet at the locker room’s entry. The packet included a donation tracker, a “Hunger Games” wristband, and a QR code linked to the Harvest Food Bank’s donation page. The QR code, when scanned, directed the donor to a mobile‑friendly form where they could contribute an arbitrary amount. The funds were collected in a digital wallet that was monitored in real time by both teams’ captains and the event coordinators.

In addition to individual contributions, the teams encouraged fans to sponsor players. Fans could buy a “sponsor” shirt or simply place a donation in a designated box. Every dollar contributed—whether from a player’s personal savings or a fan’s generosity—counted toward the team’s total. The event also featured a “donation challenge” where the opposing team could try to outbid the other’s leading donor, turning the fundraising into a spirited, friendly rivalry.

The Outcome

By the end of the game, the final tally was an astonishing $14,872 raised for the Harvest Food Bank—an increase of 30 % over the previous year’s playoff fundraiser. Carmel High School edged out Westfield by a narrow margin of $4,300, securing the title of “Hunger Games Champions” for the 2025 season. A t-shirt emblazoned with the Harvest Food Bank’s logo and the phrase “Team Carmel – Hunger Heroes” was awarded to the winning captain.

“We’re thrilled,” said Carmel coach Lisa Rodriguez. “The players were engaged, the fans were enthusiastic, and we’ve not only raised a lot of money but also awareness about the work the Harvest Food Bank does.” Westfield’s coach Jensen congratulated his team on a job well done. “We know we can’t win every time, but we’re proud to be part of this initiative. It shows that high school athletes can be more than just sports stars—they can be community champions.”

The Harvest Food Bank’s Impact

The Harvest Food Bank’s website (https://www.hamiltoncountyharvest.org) highlights its multi‑faceted approach to fighting hunger: distributing food to local pantries, running the “Hungry for Health” nutrition education program, and collaborating with local farms to reduce food waste. The organization also partners with local businesses and volunteer groups to organize large‑scale food drives. In the past year, the bank has expanded its “Farm‑to‑Table” initiative, sourcing produce from 12 local farms and delivering it to community centers and schools.

“We’ve been able to help over 12 000 families this year alone,” said Harvest Food Bank Director, Emily Hart. “The fundraising from the Hunger Games will enable us to purchase more fresh produce, increase our pantry capacity, and support our education programs.” Hart added that the increased visibility from the football playoff event helped to bring in new volunteers and additional corporate sponsorships.

A Model for the Future

The success of the 2025 Hunger Games has prompted discussions among other high schools in the region about adopting similar fundraising models. “It’s a win‑win situation,” said Westfield’s athletic director, Kevin Patel. “The teams get to compete in a healthy way, the community gets engaged, and the food bank gets the resources it needs.”

In an era where community‑level partnerships are essential to tackling systemic issues, the integration of sports and philanthropy in Hamilton County is an exemplary model. By turning the roar of the crowd into a chorus of charity, the local high schools are proving that a touchdown can go hand‑in‑hand with a hunger‑fighting mission. The next season’s playoffs are already being talked about, and the anticipation is high—both on the field and for the number of families that will receive help through the Harvest Food Bank.