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| Proceeds from donations are given to the 501(c)(3) non-profit GAP Food Bank. |
The Southern California aquarium club said there are no donations too big or small—but anyone who donates five or more cans of food will receive a free coral frag. A “frag” is a small piece or colony of coral, often mounted on a small artificial plug, which aquarium owners can place inside their saltwater tank to grow and multiply. The coral frags provided to donors this year are Cherry Charm Zoanthids, which have a striking golden center surrounded by a pretty pink skirt.
“A few years ago our club decided we wanted to give back to the community,” said IEMAS President Cylix Shane. “Originally we decided on a beach cleanup day, but that idea was short-lived because the beach is a two hour drive for most of our members. One thing we all have in common is we enjoy sharing coral frags. As the economy slowed, we learned our community’s local food bank was suffering from dwindling donations. We put the two ideas together and created ‘Frags 4 Food,’ which has been a tremendous success ever since.”
Last year IEMAS ended up with 1,120 cans of food plus many generous cash donations. Proceeds from donations are given to the 501(c)(3) non-profit GAP Food Bank. The GAP Food Bank started in the early 90s to help the working poor, single mothers, recovering addicts, seniors on a fixed income and the under-privileged who struggle to make ends meet. GAP assists families by providing basic food items. By providing food, the families are better able to apply their limited financial resources to housing expenses and other necessities.
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| Last year IEMAS ended up with 1,120 cans of food plus many generous cash donations. |
When Ben Ros, Director of Operations for aquarium supply store MarineDepot.com, heard about the event, he immediately issued a challenge to his staff.
“I want MarineDepot.com to donate more food than anyone else,” Ros told his team. “In addition to bragging rights, the department that donates the most food will be rewarded with a pizza luncheon from our COO.”
MarineDepot.com will be joining over a dozen aquarium supply stores, aquarium makers, manufacturers, publications and clubs in support of Frags 4 Food. Below is a list of some of the participating organizations and donors for this year’s event.
- MarineDepot.com
- Seachem
- Aquatic Life
- CAD Lights
- Marineland
- Ushio
- Blue Life
- Hamilton Lighting
- Fantastic Frags
- Coral Magazine
- Advanced Acrylics
- Tropical Reef Fish Store
- Southern California Reef Keepers
If you are interested in participating, GAP Food Bank prefers durable plastic, paper or aluminum packaging over glass bottles and jars. Non-perishable, non-refrigerated foods with pull-top cans are ideal because they can be opened by people who may not have access to a can opener. Smaller sized items are also useful because they are easier to store and distribute. The following items are highly recommended:
- Breads and cereals
- Boxes of crackers
- Boxes of spaghetti or pasta
- Boxes or rice
- Breakfast cereal bars
- Fruits and vegetables
- Canned fruits and vegetables
- Fruit cups
- Canned soups
- Canned spaghetti/tomato sauce
- Canned stew
- Canned tuna or chicken
- Canned chili
- Canned pasta dishes
- Peanut butter
- Vienna sausage
- Bags of dried beans
