September is “Hunger Action Month” when Food Banks nationwide urge businesses to take action in their communities. Thus, for the second consecutive year, TFMoran was up for the challenge to enter the “Canstruction Competition”. TFM’s COO Dylan Cruess led the way in assembling a Canstruction Team (Dylan Cruess, Mark Chamberlain, Maryanne Murray, Jennifer Porter, Asim Azam, and Adam Jimenez) to start the brainstorming process in mid-August. The team agreed on a 3 dimensional apple tree, which was first configured on digital graph paper, then in AutoCAD Civil 3D. Then it was time for the shopping to begin – looking for the best colored labels, can sizes and quantities. Nearly 500 cans of different sizes, 18 boxes and miscellaneous jars and bars filled one of the TFMoran company jeeps. Food items included baked beans, tomatoes, tomato sauce, green beans, mixed-vegetables, brown sugar, pink beans, macaroni & cheese, spaghetti, lasagna, whole grain penne rigate, tea bags, spices, and chocolate bars.

Lunch hours were spent in TFM’s reception area, devoted to carefully building the structure from the bottom up until the last “leaf” (can of green beans) was placed. And, just to add a little excitement to the apple tree, why not canstruct a man sitting underneath it? So, a man made of cans, boxes, pink beans, spices and chocolate was canstructed topped off with a TFM hard hat. The final photos were taken and sent in to Lisa at the NH Food Bank, and the judges viewed can creation on September 27th. They expressed their deep appreciation for TFM’s contribution, and told us a little more about the hunger crisis in New Hampshire, and what NH Food Bank does to help.

This is a great opportunity to give back to the community, while having fun with co-workers, TFM is glad to be a part of this worthwhile competition. We are excited to see what other companies have designed for this great cause!

For more information click this link to view the canstruction-flyer-2016