SAN ANTONIO — The San Antonio Food Bank and the Food Bank For New York City have launched a fundraising competition during the NBA Finals to raise money for families facing food insecurity in their respective communities.
The campaign, called “Slam Dunk on Hunger,” runs throughout the NBA Finals series between the San Antonio Spurs and the New York Knicks.
Eric Cooper, president and chief executive officer of the San Antonio Food Bank, said the initiative uses the excitement surrounding the championship series to support hunger relief efforts.
“It’s a friendly challenge with a serious purpose,” Cooper said.
The fundraising drive will continue until the conclusion of the NBA Finals, with donations counting toward each city’s total.
“This campaign to Slam Dunk on Hunger will run all the way through the series until that final buzzer of the final game rings,” Cooper said.
According to Cooper, the San Antonio Food Bank raised approximately $30,000 following Game 1 of the series, placing it about $5,000 to $6,000 ahead of its New York counterpart in the competition.
Despite the early lead, food bank officials said additional donations are needed to meet growing demand for assistance.
The San Antonio Food Bank expects to serve about 140,000 people each week across South Texas during the summer, when demand for food support typically remains high.
“No matter who wins the series, I think both communities will benefit,” Cooper said. “The victory will go to those families that are food insecure that would benefit from the funds raised.”
The fundraising challenge will continue through the end of the NBA Finals, with proceeds supporting food assistance programs in San Antonio and New York City.
