News Summary
Riverbanks Zoo in Columbia, S.C. introduces ‘Toucan Tuesdays,’ collaborating with Harvest Hope Food Bank to offer discounted admission with food donations. Guests can enjoy a buy-one-get-one admission and a regular-sized ICEE for donating two non-perishable food items every Tuesday from June to August. The initiative aims to collect 5,000 pounds of food, providing 6,000 meals to the community while encouraging families to engage in local conservation efforts.
Columbia, S.C. – Riverbanks Zoo Launches “Toucan Tuesdays” with Harvest Hope Food Bank
Riverbanks Zoo in Columbia, South Carolina, has announced a new initiative called “Toucan Tuesdays,” in collaboration with Harvest Hope Food Bank. The program offers guests a buy-one-get-one admission to the zoo and a buy-one-get-one regular-sized ICEE with the donation of two non-perishable food items. This weekly promotion will run every Tuesday from June 10 through August 12, 2025.
To participate, visitors can bring two cans, bags, or boxes of non-perishable food items to receive the discounted admission and refreshments. Donation bins for food items will be conveniently located at both the zoo and garden entrances. Attendees are encouraged to take advantage of the promotion multiple times throughout the summer, enabling them to support both their local zoo and those in need.
Goals and Impact
The partnership aims to collect a target of 5,000 pounds of food, which is expected to contribute about 6,000 meals to the community. Harvest Hope Food Bank has outlined its most needed items as canned vegetables, canned proteins (such as chicken and tuna), one-pound bags of dried beans, and one-pound boxes of pasta. This initiative not only provides families with an affordable recreational option but also addresses food insecurity in the local area.
In a previous year, the “Toucan Tuesdays” program helped gather 2,457 pounds of food for Harvest Hope Food Bank, reflecting the community’s willingness to support those in need. The promotion was temporarily suspended in 2020 and 2021 due to COVID-related restrictions but successfully resumed last summer, underscoring the strong community engagement with the initiative. Since its inception in 2010, the partnership has collectively raised a total of 51,008 pounds of food for the food bank.
Participation Details
The “Toucan Tuesdays” promotion applies solely to general admission rates and does not extend to Explorer wristbands or Riverbanks’ memberships. This stipulation ensures that the food donation initiative focuses on enhancing access to the zoo while providing a meaningful community contribution.
The program aligns with the zoo’s commitment to conservation and community welfare, as highlighted by Tommy Stringfellow, the president and CEO of Riverbanks Zoo and Garden. The zoo continues to find innovative ways to engage with the public while addressing essential local needs.
Conclusion
As the summer months approach, “Toucan Tuesdays” stands out as a compelling opportunity for residents and visitors to enjoy a day at Riverbanks Zoo while participating in a significant charitable effort. The initiative emphasizes community support and conservation, making it a win-win for everyone involved.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Columbia Hosts Community Events to Promote Inclusion
Upcoming Community Events in Columbia
Additional Resources
- ABC Columbia: Local Living – Toucan Tuesdays
- Cola Daily: Toucan Tuesdays Return at Riverbanks Zoo
- Wikipedia: Riverbanks Zoo and Garden
- Google Search: Toucan Tuesdays Riverbanks Zoo
- WIS TV: Toucan Tuesdays Take Flight at Riverbanks Zoo
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON WRITER
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