For the second consecutive year, Mercer University School of Law earned the Attorney General’s Cup as champion of the 14th annual Georgia Legal Food Frenzy — an eight-day, statewide law school competition that supports food banks across Georgia.
This year, Mercer’s team raised more than $18,000, surpassing last year’s total by nearly 25%. Proceeds from the team’s efforts benefited Middle Georgia Community Food Bank and will provide over 72,000 meals for families in need. This marks the 10th time Mercer Law has won the title.
Spearheaded by Mercer Law Student Bar Association Community Outreach Chairs Caroline Hager, ’26, and Jack Wareham, ’25, the team raised nearly twice as much as the next-highest school, the University of Georgia. Emory University School of Law, Georgia State University College of Law and John Marshall Law School also fielded teams in the competition. Teams promoted their fundraising through LinkedIn videos, earned points by volunteering at their regional food banks, and shared their progress on social media.
Hager said what began as a way to make friends and get involved in the community quickly became a cause she felt passionate about leading. She was excited to be asked to co-chair the Community Outreach Committee alongside Wareham. The team initially set a goal of raising $15,000 but quickly exceeded it, ultimately collecting $18,008.70.
Founded in March 1982, Middle Georgia Community Food Bank provides millions of meals through soup kitchens, after-school programs, shelters, senior centers and other social service organizations. There are more than 140 food pantries affiliated with the food bank, serving those in need across a 24-county area. For every one dollar donated, the food bank can supply eight meals to food-insecure neighbors.
“I was enlightened and encouraged to get to know Middle Georgia Community Food Bank,” Hager said. “Before the competition, I thought food banks were like food pantries — places where people gathered for meals and community. What I quickly learned is that food banks are much larger, with more robust inventories, and they play an integral role in supplying food pantries, which then serve the community.”
Hager said Wareham was instrumental in rallying students and faculty to donate, volunteer and spread the word. His enthusiasm made people want to listen, largely because they could see how deeply he believed in the mission for law students to give back to their community.
“That is what defines a Mercer lawyer,” she said.
Wareham said, “Playing a part in the law school Legal Food Frenzy and continuing Mercer’s significant legacy in this competition has been the highlight of my law school journey. Our team, friends, classmates, staff and everyone on the Mercer faculty went the extra mile to give their time and energy to make this happen. I must highlight the work that my co-chair, Caroline Hager, did for this cause. Her ability to manage the little things while staying composed and poised amid so many other commitments reassured me about the future leaders who will step up after I leave.”
Hager added that this year’s success was due in part to support from Student Bar Association President Michaela Manley and Vice President Olivia Brillinger. Other students who played key roles include Caroline Cole, who was the top fundraiser; Kendall Greene; Nawar Khan; Bradley Cusnier; and Bailey Dupré.
“The students exemplify what it means to be a Mercer Lawyer by recognizing a community need, working together to address that need, and inspiring others to follow their example,” Mercer Law Dean Karen J. Sneddon said. “Their service and leadership are valued. We look forward to continuing to work with the Middle Georgia Community Food Bank throughout the year to support our community.”
