Seven years of the friendly but fierce rivalry between Virginia Tech and the University of Virginia has yielded food and funds for more than 236,000 meals for the hungry in Central Virginia via the annual “Hokies vs. ‘Hoos” food drive. MARTIN’S, which hosted donation bins for the first time last year, has become the “Food Fight” title sponsor.

This year’s competition will be held at all Richmond-area MARTIN’S supermarkets during the week of the big UVA vs. Virginia Tech basketball showdown in Blacksburg on February 21. Donation bins will be set up inside stores from Feb. 20-26. MARTIN’s will also afford customers the opportunity to make monetary donations at the registers this year.

“MARTIN’S is excited to be part of this friendly competition for the second year in a row and the first year as the title sponsor,” said Jim Scanlon, regional vice president of MARTIN’S Food Markets. “Whether you’re a Hokie or a ’Hoo, we encourage our customers and our associates to support the Central Virginia Food Bank and help fight hunger in our communities.”

The Hokies vs. ‘Hoos "Food Fight" capitalizes on the intense rivalry between Virginia Tech and UVA alumni and fans by encouraging donations during a time of year when they typically decline after the holidays. After seven years of this lively contest, the Wahoos hold a slight edge, with four wins to the Hokies’ three wins.

Each can or box of food donated in the VT or UVA bins in each MARTIN’S location will count for one point and every dollar donated at Martin’s between Feb. 20-26, or online between Feb. 13-29 at http://www.hokiesvshoos.com, will count for 5 points. The score will be updated daily on the competition website with the winner to be announced on Friday, March 2. Several local elementary, middle and high schools will also join the “fight” to collect food donations.