Welcome Teams!

To feed and inspire the world – one can at a time.

Canstruction® was founded in 1992 by the late Cheri Melillo and members of the Society for Design Administration (SDA). Competitions are now held in over 150 cities worldwide and have helped raise more than 21 million pounds of food.

Our mission is to unite design and engineering through a creative, community-driven event that supports hunger relief efforts while engaging and inspiring local communities.

Cost for entry is $125.

All teams raise the funds needed for their build.

All Canstruction® competitions are governed by established rules and regulations. The Jury is responsible for interpreting these rules, and all decisions are final.

Structures must be self-supporting and built using approved materials. All food items must be safe for donation.

All teams are required to have an architect, engineer, or construction professional oversee the design, build, and deconstruction. No exceptions.

HARMONY AGAINST HUNGER

Any song, band, instrument, album cover or musical concept that visually incorporates a message of hunger relief, community or hope.

• Design Submission: December 1, 2026 (earlier preferred)
• Bulk Food Order Due: January 8, 2027 (earlier preferred)
• Food Delivery Day: After 3:00 pm February 16, 2027
• Build Day: February 17, 2027
• Awards Presentation: February 21, 2027
• De-Canstruction and delivery to pantries: February 24, 2027

Teams must submit the following by 12/1/26 to tricitiescanstruction@gmail.com:

• Title of structure
• Brief written description of concept and meaning
• Design rendering (image or 3D model)
• Dimensions of structure
• Detailed food list (product, size, color, quantity)
• Estimated total number of cans* (A final CAN COUNT sheet will need to be submitted.)

*Estimates are acceptable and used for planning purposes only.

General Rules

• Structure Size: Maximum 10 ft (L) × 10 ft (W) × 10 ft (H)
• Minimum Requirement:  Minimum 1,000 cans, average is 2500
• Build Team: Maximum of 5 builders at one time (ages 17+)
• Build Time:  8am – 9 pm on Build Day only
• Safety: Closed-toe shoes required; safe practices must be followed at all times
• Cleanliness: Team areas must remain “broom clean” throughout the event

Food Guidelines

Permissible Food:

• Unopened canned food only, of any size. Expired is not permitted
• Labels must remain intact and visible
• Non-perishable packaged food allowed as accents only
• Nutritious items are strongly encouraged

Prohibited Items:

• Glass containers
• Alcoholic beverages
• Pet food
• Expired or opened food
• Empty cans

Building Materials

Structures must be primarily self-supporting using canned food.

Non-Permissible Materials:

• Wood or metal framing systems
• Steel beams, tubes, or structural bracing
• Leveling materials thicker than ¼ inch
• Sheet metal, glass, or Fiberock
• Permanent adhesives (welding, soldering, etc.)
• Any load-bearing material other than cans

Permissible Materials (must not damage cans or labels):

• Clear or double-sided tape
• Velcro, magnets, zip ties
• Rubber bands, string, wire
• Silicone (non-damaging use only)
• Thin leveling materials (≤ ¼ inch)
• Alignment rods (wood or PVC)

All structural support must come from the cans themselves. Non-food materials may only be used for alignment or minimal leveling.

• Teams are responsible for sourcing their own canned goods
• Expired food is not permitted
• Teams may solicit donations and your team can shop or host food drives
• Tri-Cities Canstruction will provide Sponsor documents to help you
• Bulk purchasing is strongly recommended for efficiency and transport- email tricitiescanstruction@gmail.com for information about partnerships we have established with Aldi and Woodman’s.
• Each build will have signage that names the Architect/Engineer/Construction Professional, the name of the food pantry you are supporting, a description of your build (musical tie in, fun facts about the structure etc.) and the logos of your top sponsors. No other signage is permitted in your designated space.

Teams must deliver their canned goods on 2/16/27 from 3pm – 9pm using the designated loading dock at the Academic & Professional Center (APC). The only exception is BULK ORDERS placed directly through Tri-Cities Canstruction. These bulk orders will be transported directly to the build site for you.

Additional details will follow.

• Teams must build during Build Day only
• Bring all tools, materials, and equipment 
• Pre-cut materials are strongly recommended
• Only minor adjustments are allowed onsite
• No major cutting or sawing permitted during build hours

Note: For safety reasons, the 5 person building at a time rule will be strictly enforced.

Awards Categories

• Best Meal
• Best Use of Labels
• Structural Ingenuity
• Best Original Design
• Most Cans
• People’s Choice

Judging Criteria

• Creativity and originality
• Structural stability and engineering
• Effective use of labels
• Nutritional value of food used

Additional Guidelines

• All labels must remain visible
• Props are discouraged
• Judging is anonymous; team and sponsor signage will be covered
• Structures requiring lighting or electrical components are not eligible for national competition

• Architect, Construction Professional or Engineer needs to be on site for the deconstruction for safety purposes.
• All teams are required to provide at least 5 people to dismantle their individual structures. Teams are responsible for dismantling their structure, removing all non-food materials, sorting food as directed by the benefiting food pantry, loading food into designated containers, and leaving their exhibit area broom-clean at the conclusion of deconstruction. For a typical team, the deconstruction crew often includes:
  • Team captain
  • Build leader or construction lead
  • Several volunteers
  • Food sorting volunteers
• The original build team usually performs the deconstruction because they understand:
  • Hidden supports
  • Internal framing systems
  • Load paths
  • Areas under tension
• This minimizes damaged cans and improves safety (Think Jenga game!)
•  Sort While Taking Apart
• Inspect Every Donation
• Delivery of your canned food to the pantry chosen is the teams responsibility

Tri-Cities Canstruction build and exhibit will be held at:

Waubonsee Community College
Academic & Professional Center (APC)
Route 47 Sugar Grove, Illinois

Directions & Parking

Free parking, free admission and accessible entrance.

Photographs and video may be taken during the event for promotional purposes. Participation implies consent unless otherwise communicated in writing.

For questions or additional information, please contact:
tricitiescanstruction@gmail.com or Melinda Kintz (630) 977-0270

Use this checklist to stay on track throughout the Canstruction® process:

Planning Phase

 ❑  Register your team
 ❑  Confirm architect/engineer/construction professional
 ❑  Review all rules and regulations
 ❑  Brainstorm and select design concept
 ❑  Assign team roles (design, logistics, fundraising, build team)

Design & Submission

 ❑  Create design drawings or 3D rendering
 ❑  Finalize structure dimensions
 ❑  Develop detailed can/material list
 ❑  Estimate total number of cans
 ❑  Write structure description
 ❑  Submit all required materials by deadline

Food Sourcing & Fundraising

 ❑  Secure donations and/or sponsors
 ❑  Organize food drives if needed
 ❑  Order bulk canned goods
 ❑  Verify all food meets guidelines (unopened, not expired)

Pre-Build Preparation

 ❑  Confirm build team members (max 5 at a time)
 ❑  Gather all tools and materials
 ❑  Pre-cut any supports or alignment materials
 ❑  Plan build strategy and timeline
 ❑  Arrange transportation for cans and supplies

Build Day

 ❑  Arrive on time
 ❑  Bring all materials, tools, and equipment
 ❑  Follow safety guidelines (closed-toe shoes, safe lifting)
 ❑  Stay within build space and time limits
 ❑  Keep area clean and organized

Post-Build / De-Canstruction

 ❑  Assist with de-canstruction process
 ❑  Sort and prepare food for donation
 ❑  Clean up build area completely

Final Details

 ❑  Invite friends, family, and community to view exhibit
 ❑  Promote your structure (social media, etc.)
 ❑  Celebrate your impact!