In Niles, creative minds turned canned goods into art for a great cause. This year, over 5,100 cans were used in a showcase at the Eastwood Mall as part of “Canstruction,” which supports the Second Harvest Food Bank of Mahoning County. The event ran until May 16, 2025, and featured sculptures that paid homage to summer games, embodying the theme “GAMES: Win The Battle Against Hunger.”
Visitors had the chance to vote for their favorite sculptures. The winner of the People’s Choice award was Daniel Haggerty, who cleverly constructed a bowling ball and pin. After the sculptures were taken down, all cans were donated to the food bank, showing a strong community spirit.
Johnny Chechitelli, the Regional Director of Marketing and Communications at Eastwood Mall, expressed excitement about the results. He mentioned, “In total, we had over 5,100 cans this year that are now being delivered to Second Harvest Food Bank of the Mahoning County.” Plans for next year’s event are already underway, with a new aquarium theme in the works for 2026.
Eight teams participated in this year’s Canstruction. They included local organizations and businesses, highlighting community involvement in fighting hunger.
Not only does this event provide food to those in need, but it also promotes creativity and teamwork. As hunger remains a pressing issue, initiatives like Canstruction remind us that small efforts can make a significant impact.
For those interested in understanding hunger trends, a recent report from Feeding America revealed that around 38 million Americans face food insecurity. Events like Canstruction play a vital role in raising awareness and providing assistance to those affected.
To learn more about food insecurity and how community efforts help combat it, you can visit Feeding America.
