SPEARFISH, S.D. – The Black Hills State University Student-Athlete Advisory Committee defeated South Dakota School of Mines in the annual Food War as BHSU collected 254.25 pounds of non-perishable food items. However, the real winner of the Food War was Feeding South Dakota, with 498.25 total pounds of food being donated.

"It feels great to be able to make a difference by collecting food and giving it to those in need," SAAC President Shelby Stoltz said. "As an athlete, it is also fun to have it in a competition form as that is in our direct nature."

Black Hills State and South Dakota Mines each collected nonperishable food items beginning with the first meeting between the two schools in January and concluded this past weekend in the second Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference basketball contest. Fans were encouraged to bring food items as they entered the games.

"We would like to thank everyone who donated and helped us beat South Dakota Mines," Chairperson for the Food War Joe Rath said.

The mission of Feeding South Dakota is to eliminate hunger in the state and has a partnership with the two school's SAAC's each year.