Download the Rules and Regs

1. All teams must have one member who is an architect, landscape architect, contractor, engineer, designer, art teacher, or other designated design professional.
2. All teams are responsible for acquiring/purchasing the cans of food needed for their sculpture.
3. Under specific circumstances tax receipts are available for donations to the food bank greater than $1000.00. Please contact us for more information.
4. Sculptures must fit within a 10’ x 10’ area, and be a maximum 10’ high (3m x 3m x 3m).
5. For safety reasons, there are a maximum of 5 “builders” permitted at any one time to work within the 10’ x 10’ area. There can be additional team members working outside of this area during the competition build. There is no limit on the number of people involved in planning, logistics and design.
6. Teams must submit their Design Concept (a creative and fun description of the object you are building) by the Design Concept deadline. This information is collected via the form on our website: Design Concept Form.
7. Teams must submit a detailed list of food types and quantity used in your build for our event statistics. Excess food items donated to the food bank but, not used in your build should not be included in your official Team Can Count. The Team Can Count spreadsheet can be downloaded here: Can Count Spreadsheet.
8. Sculptures must be made of unopened canned food, with minimal elements of non-perishable packaged food. All labels must be intact. No alcohol, glass containers, or pet food allowed. Structures should be comprised of food items. Props are discouraged.
9. Sculptures must be completely self-supporting, with no framework or other structural support. Maximum 1/4″ inch sheets of plexiglass, foam core, cardboard or similar material can be used as a leveling device between rows of cans. Canned food may be joined using the following methods: clear packing tape, double sided tape, duct tape, velcro, fishing line, wire, rubber bands, zip strips etc. Any other method that provides easy demounting may be permitted, provided the labels and cans are NOT damaged. “Clean” structures will be judged superior to those relying on aids and props.
10. No gluing, welding or other permanent affixing or excessive structural support is permitted. Structures that violate the building rules are exempt from the International Competition and are not eligible for local awards.
11. Award winners in the 6 international categories (Best Original Design (formerly Juror’s Favourite), Best Meal, Best Use of Labels, Structural Integrity, Most Cans (formerly Honorable Mention) and People’s Choice) will be entered in the International Competition (we submit).