2027 Canstructure Competitions
Southside Competition: Saturday, March 13 - Lynnhaven Mall
Peninsula Competition: Saturday, April 24 - Patrick Henry Mall
Build Art. Feed Families. Grow Hope.
The YVCHR CANstructure Competition is a high-energy, S.T.E.A.M.-inspired challenge where local youth team up to design and construct massive 3D sculptures using hundreds of canned food items. This year, teams are bringing their creativity and engineering skills to life around our 2026 theme: Planting Seeds of Hope!
Every single can used in these incredible structures goes straight to local food banks, turning youth creativity into thousands of meals for Hampton Roads families fighting food insecurity.
Why It Matters
Hands-On S.T.E.A.M. Action*: Youth sharpen their science, tech, engineering, art, and math skills through real-world problem-solving.
Community Impact: Thousands of pounds of non-perishable food directly feed local neighbors in need.
Empowered Youth: Young leaders collaborate, design, and create a powerful visual statement against local hunger.
What is a CANstructure? A CANstructure is a dynamic, freestanding 3D sculpture built entirely out of unopened canned food donations. Part structural engineering, part visual masterpiece, it’s a creative approach to tackling hunger—one can at a time!
*S.T.E.A.M. = Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Math
A PRINTABLE FLYER FOR THE SOUTHSIDE EVENT IS AVAILABLE HERE. Upon registration, the Team Sponsor will receive a detailed toolkit with helpful resources, service-learning lessons and pacing guide. YVCHR staff will be available to answer questions and provide support on an ongoing basis!
Interested in event sponsorship? Contact Anne Bibee at development@yvchr.org.