The Rhinelander Area Food Pantry will be hosting an event where competing community teams design and build structures out of food. CANtastic combines the competitive spirit of a design/build competition with a unique way to help feed the hungry in the community. 

Teams use canned or boxed foods to build their structures, based on a theme. The theme this year is, “Hunger Games” and will be held at the Rouman Cinema starting Saturday, March 15.

Past themes have been “Spring into Action”, “Don’t Toy with Hunger” and “Shine A Light on Hunger.” Past teams from organizations are diverse as:  Associated Bank, RHS Key Club, WJFW-TV, WDNR/U.W.EXT., Rhinelander GM and the High School Building Trades have built creations such as a riding mower, a Mr. Potato Head, a Chevrolet and a lighthouse.

The creations will be on display and judged on a criteria including creativity, complexity and the use of color. At the close of the competition, prizes are awarded for Judges’ Choice, People’s Choice and Most Cans Used Following the Theme. All of the food used in the structures will then be donated to The Food Pantry for distribution to area families in need. In 2013 RAFP distributed 469,000 pounds of food to area families in need, 
CANtastic creations will be on display for three weeks to allow the public to view and judging. Competition is open to any group/organization (clubs, schools, Scouts, churches, businesses, etc.) in the Rhinelander area and financial assistance is available to help teams purchase the necessary food for their structure.  

For more information, call Guy Hansen at 715-282-5810 or visit www.rhinelanderareafoodpantry.org.