Fazoli’s to give away free meal in exchange for canned goods

For most of November, there is a way to eat practically for free and help others eat for the holidays.

“Feed the Hungry, Feed yourself” is Fazoli’s 2009 canned food drive and will continue until Nov. 25.

Every November for the past five years, Fazoli’s has held this food drive from Nov. 1 to Thanksgiving eve. They collect as many cans as they can and deliver them to Hoosier Hills Food Bank, assistant manager Amanda Demaree said.

“I think it’s great that they do this,” sophomore Crystal Smith said. “Just by bringing in cans, I feel like I am helping out someone that deserves it.”

Bringing in at least two cans or four packages of Ramen Noodles makes all customers eligible for a free spaghetti meal. If dining in, this meal includes unlimited breadsticks.

The deal is still valid through the drive-thru; however, only two breadsticks will be given with the spaghetti.

“On top of helping out others, I can receive free food as well,” Smith said.

No purchase is necessary for the deal to be complete, just the two cans. However, there is a one spaghetti per person per order.

The Bloomington Fazoli’s is the only city in the state that is offering a free spaghetti in exchange for two cans.

However, other Fazoli’s in the state are taking off a dollar from the customer’s purchase for every can brought in, Demaree said.

This is the first year other Fazoli’s are participating in the canned food drive in the state.

The program has made progress since its first year in 2005.

“Because of poor advertising, we didn’t do so well the first year,” Demaree said. “However, each year the total of cans have increased, and last year we reached a high of 800 cans.”

How many cans taken in depends vastly on the customers and even the employees.
Every year, the Bloomington Fazoli’s has a contest to see which employee can bring in the most cans.

“I was ahead for the majority of the contest last year,” freshman Lindsey Brinegar said “On the last day, a co-worker came in with 35 cans and beat me by 5 cans.”

The winner of the contest usually receives a gift certificate to the restaurant of their choice.

“I am more determined than ever to win the contest this year,” Brinegar said.

The more cans donated, the more families that can be helped and the more free spaghetti.

“Donating cans will make me feel good, and the free food is just a bonus,” Smith said. “Every college kid loves free food.”