Creative can sculptures raise funds, awareness—and thousands of meals—in northeast Indiana
In a testament to creativity, compassion, and a little healthy competition, six local schools helped Community Harvest Food Bank collect nearly 25,000 pounds of food in this year’s annual “Canstruction” Campaign—a quirky and impactful initiative that turns canned goods into both art and sustenance.
The 2025 campaign featured architectural displays made entirely from donated canned food, with structures designed and built by student teams. Each dollar donated by the public counted as a vote in the People’s Choice Award, and the result was a spirited effort that rallied hundreds of community members behind the cause of food insecurity.
Central Noble Takes the Crown
The big winner? Central Noble Jr./Sr. High School, which earned the coveted People’s Choice Award with 535 votes, securing both bragging rights and a $1,000 prize.
Their can-based creation—details of which were not specified in the announcement—impressed voters enough to outpace five other competing schools. But more than just a win for Central Noble, the event marked a successful collaboration between students, donors, and Community Harvest’s hunger-fighting mission.
Final Rankings:
-
Central Noble Jr./Sr. High School – 535 votes (1st place)
-
North Side High School – (2nd place)
-
Concordia Lutheran High School
-
South Adams Middle School
-
Northrop High School (tied)
-
Leo Jr./Sr. High School (tied)
Dollars and Donations
In addition to the 25,000 pounds of food collected, the campaign also raised $1,181 in voting dollars—every cent of which will go toward Community Harvest’s programs addressing food insecurity in northeast Indiana. Each $1 equated to one vote, but also helped the organization stretch its resources further in a time of persistent demand.
“This campaign is not just about raising food—it’s about raising awareness, giving students a voice, and encouraging the community to rally around an important cause,” said a spokesperson for Community Harvest Food Bank.
Building More Than Sculptures
While some can sculptures were whimsical—ranging from animals to local landmarks—others carried subtle messages about hunger and community. Students were challenged not just to design creatively but also to think critically about how their work connects to the people it serves.
For many students, this wasn’t just a school project. It was an introduction to civic engagement, volunteerism, and the reality that food insecurity affects neighbors, classmates, and friends.
A Campaign With Staying Power
The Canstruction Campaign is a local spinoff of a national concept that turns design and engineering into a tool for social good. What makes Fort Wayne’s version unique is its emphasis on youth involvement and direct community participation.
“Seeing these students come together to build something meaningful—and knowing it all ends up feeding people in need—is what makes this campaign so special,” said one teacher involved in the event.
For Community Harvest, the campaign also offers a way to restock its shelves ahead of summer, when donations often dip but need remains high. The organization serves thousands of families each month through food pantries, mobile distribution, and partner agencies.
What’s Next?
Community Harvest plans to continue the Canstruction tradition, with hopes to expand school participation and community involvement in future years.
For now, the shelves are fuller, the students are proud, and the community has once again proven that even something as simple as a can of beans can become a building block for something far greater.
