CANstruction Reno brings together teams of students, architects, engineers, builders, and community partners to design and build large-scale structures made entirely from canned food.
This year, 14 teams came together to create incredible builds using a total of 29,123 cans.
On Build Day, these teams transformed those cans into creative, detailed displays at Meadowood Mall. After the event, every can is donated to the Food Bank of Northern Nevada, helping provide meals for children, families, and seniors across our community.
Those builds alone will help provide more than 21,483 meals, before a single vote is cast.
The People’s Choice Award is decided by the community. Your vote helps choose a winner and helps turn creativity into even more impact.
And every vote adds even more.
Every vote moves a team closer
Each team has put in hours of creativity, planning, and teamwork to bring their structure to life.
Now, your vote helps move your favorite closer to the top.
And every vote helps ensure our neighbors have access to the food they need to thrive. That means you have our permission to cast as many votes as you’d like — and make an even bigger impact.
$1 = 1 vote = 3 meals
Meet the Masterpieces
Explore the builds below, read the stories behind each structure, and choose the one you want to support.
Photos of each structure will be added throughout Build Day. Check back to see them take shape.
Team 1: Kimley-Horn & Fortis Construction
Structure Name:CAN Carl’s Mine?
CAN Carl’s Mine? brings Northern Nevada’s rich mining heritage to life—one can at a time. Inspired by the historic mining boom that helped shape the region during the mid- to late-1800s, this structure pays tribute to the gold, silver, and mineral discoveries that fueled Nevada’s growth and earned it the nickname “The Silver State.”
The scene features an open mine shaft overflowing with “gems” and hidden treasures, a classic mine cart ready to haul its bounty, and a beautiful backdrop of the Sierra Nevada mountains at sunset. Drawing inspiration from the rugged landscapes and storied past of Northern Nevada, CAN Carl’s Mine? celebrates exploration, perseverance, pride, and teamwork. And just like the miners who struck it rich through hard work and collaboration, this structure turns collective effort into something meaningful: every can used will be donated to help fight hunger in our community.
History, teamwork, and giving back—now that’s a treasure worth sharing.
We have created the very thing our city is known for: the Biggest Little City sign in downtown Reno, along with many iconic buildings such as the Silver Legacy, the Nugget, Atlantis, Circus Circus, and the Grand Sierra Resort. The buildings and sign create the skyline of Reno, cemented in time with beautiful snow-capped mountains and fluffy clouds. Famous for our skiing, this Cantastic sculpture is sure to be a hit.
Our structure takes a classic shield crest and rebuilds it entirely out of canned goods. Everything is made using vertically stacked cans, so it’s not just for looks; it’s actually stable and buildable, which was kind of the whole point.
At the top, we included three gear symbols to represent engineering and teamwork. Instead of trying to make perfect circles (which would be a nightmare with cans), we used a pixel-style approach with contrasting colors so they still read clearly from a distance.
Under that, there’s a simple horizontal band that separates the top from the middle section. The middle is meant to look like a stone bridge, using neutral-colored cans arranged in a block pattern. The “arches” are kept rectangular so the structure stays solid while still giving the idea of a bridge.
The bottom finishes out the shield shape using brighter cans, with darker cans outlining the edges so the whole thing actually looks like a shield instead of just a rectangle. On the back, we added “O.T.” in bold letters using high-contrast cans over a gradient background to keep it clean and easy to read.
Overall, we kept the design pretty intentional, i.e., no weird shapes, no risky builds, just a straightforward structure that looks good and hopefully won’t collapse.
team 4: Northern Nevada Sheet Metal & HVAC Apprenticeship
Structure Name: The Can-Do Work Boot
Behold: the sole-ful embodiment of hard work—our can-do construction boot, laced together with equal parts grit, wit, and legumes. Forged not in fire but in the fine art of food stacking, this towering tread is a steel-toe illusion with a soft-center reality, crushing hunger one can at a time while toeing the line between fashion and function.
Each carefully stacked cylinder pulls its weight in wait, forming a boot that’s both down-to-earth and soup-er elevated. It’s a paradox you can stand on: a heavy-duty delicacy, a sturdy snack, a robust fragility. The kind of footwear that says, “I mean business,” but also, “I brought beans.”
From heel to toe, it’s a well-balanced diet of design and determination, proof that when life gives you cans, you don’t just recycle… you re-sole. This boot doesn’t just walk the walk; it stocks the talk.
So step right up and admire the only boot where the “arch support” comes with nutritional facts, and every tread is a testament to building a better world, one can at a time.
Made possible by our sponsors: Northern Nevada Sheet Metal & HVAC Apprenticeship JATC and SMART Local 26 union members
Yikes! The Piranha Plant is the most despicable entity in the Super Mario world. You might think this iconic monster is dangerous, but this one is actually quite peaceful. They often dwell in their shiny green pipes, but at the sight of all the people in the mall, it has come out to watch. This hungry sprout is eager to share its food and can’t wait to provide for the hungry. Our little plant will steal your heart!
Our structure will razzle and dazzle everyone who comes by, from the green bottom of the pot to the Kinder Egg teeth. We used the original red, white, and green colors, recreating an iconic image of childhood nostalgia. The mouth is gaping open, either in a grin or a Mario-eating grimace; you decide.
We’ve brought to life an iconic emblem in mid-creation, a snapshot on the verge of completion… structure, symmetry, pride!
The bold “N” rises from carefully stacked cans, forming a striking tribute to University of Nevada, Reno’s enduring spirit. A palette of silver, white, and deep blue canned goods was selected to mirror the university’s signature colors, creating contrast and depth across the clean lines of the letter.
Subtle shading along the edges gives the structure dimension, as if the logo itself is emerging from the wall. Each can contributes to the precision of the design, transforming everyday materials into a powerful symbol of identity, unity, and school pride.
40 Years of Fighting Hunger. 40 Years of Feeding Hope.
From a humble holiday food drive in 1986 to a powerhouse for good, Raley’s Food For Families stands tall after four incredible decades of impact!
Together, we’ve raised over $82 million to fight hunger across Northern California and Nevada, fueling 12 Feeding America-aligned food banks and thousands of local distribution sites from Salinas to Yreka, Elko to Tonopah.
Every dollar stays local. Because Raley’s covers all administrative costs, 100% of your donation goes directly to your community’s food bank, where it matters most. That means all donations made at our Northern Nevada and Tahoe stores fuel the impactful work of Food Bank of Northern Nevada!
Thank you for being part of this 40-year journey, and the generations of generosity still to come.
“Feeding the Wild” represents the enduring connection between wildlife, water, and community. Together, these cans form not just a bear, but a reminder that small actions add up. It’s proof that when we work together, we CAN make a difference, helping to nourish families across our community while raising awareness about sustainability, conservation, and community resilience. Because when it comes to helping others, you really can’t BEAR not to.
The cans themselves also serve a greater purpose; all the cans will be donated to those facing food insecurity through the Food Bank of Northern Nevada. Our goal was to ensure that creativity not only inspires but also turns this work of art into real meals for families across our community. We thoughtfully selected ingredients that can come together in simple, hearty, campfire-style skillet meals.
Structure Name: Reaching New Heights to Fight Hunger
Rising proudly from a foundation of generosity, these towering titans prove that great cities aren’t built in a day—but they can be built one can at a time. With sleek lines, bold patterns, and just the right amount of architectural ambition, this skyline is a tribute to what happens when creativity meets community.
Each level represents more than just structural ingenuity—it’s a layer of support for those in need. From the tallest peak to the smallest detail, this mini metropolis stands as a reminder that when we stack our efforts together, we can reach incredible heights.
Our team took one giant leap for CANstruction with a mission that’s a little closer to home. Featuring an astronaut standing on the moon and gazing back at Earth, our structure reminds us that big, bold achievements start with imagination, determination, and a shared goal. And while we all watched in awe as Artemis II made its historic journey this month, we’ve had our sights set on the moon all along, because big ideas like these are always within reach.
Inspired by the spirit of a quote often attributed to Buzz Aldrin, one we’re proud to display at the Food Bank of Northern Nevada, “If we can put a man on the moon, we can end child hunger,” we’re channeling that same CAN-do energy into a future where every child has a full belly.
Because right here in Nevada, 1 in 5 kids is food insecure, and that’s something we can change together. It may not take rocket fuel, but it does take all of us. Every can in our structure helps keep our mission in motion, working toward full bellies in every orbit of our community. Ending child hunger might not make headlines like a moon landing, but for the kids and families we serve, it would be just as world-changing.
Make waves against hunger! Dive into our ocean-themed CANstruction display featuring three marine marvels working together to fight hunger!
Clutching it all together with eight magnificent arms is our octopus—the tentacle of success! Each arm represents a different way to help: donating, volunteering, spreading awareness, and more. This cephalopod proves that fighting hunger requires flexibility, intelligence, and a lot of hands on deck!
Together, these three structures remind us: we’re all in the same boat—so let’s row toward a hunger-free future!
Make waves against hunger! Dive into our ocean-themed CANstruction display featuring three marine marvels working together to fight hunger!
Our sleek otter is absolutely otter-ing up a storm, proudly holding a prized tuna and ready to make a splash in the fight against hunger. This playful, whiskered wonder proves you don’t have to be shellfish to make a real difference—and with such a fin-tastic catch in hand, it’s clear this otter means business! Every can stacked together represents a meal, and this otter is seal-ing the deal on hunger relief!
Together, these three structures remind us: we’re all in the same boat—so let’s row toward a hunger-free future!
Make waves against hunger! Dive into our ocean-themed CANstruction display featuring three marine marvels working together to fight hunger!
Rising majestically above is our towering whale—a whale of a cause that’s truly impressive! This gentle giant demonstrates that when we all pull together, we can move ocean-sized quantities of food to neighbors across our community. With powerful flukes ready to breach barriers, this magnificent cetacean creates a tsunami of compassion!
Together, these three structures remind us: we’re all in the same boat—so let’s row toward a hunger-free future!
Inspired by the iconic FIFA World Cup Trophy and the excitement surrounding the 2026 World Cup taking place in North America, One World. One GOALLL! End Hunger. celebrates unity, teamwork, and a shared global purpose. Built entirely from canned food items, the structure mirrors the elegant curves and upward motion of the championship trophy, symbolizing achievement through collective effort. The use of red, white, and blue reflects the host nations and the spirit of cooperation across borders, while black and gold accents honor the prestige of the World Cup and the significance of the goal we are striving to achieve together.
Just as the World Cup brings nations together around a single goal, this structure represents our community coming together to fight hunger. Every can plays a role, reinforcing the idea that small, individual contributions can add up to something powerful. By combining sport, art, and service, One World. One GOALLL! End Hunger. delivers a winning message: when we work as one team, we can help ensure no one goes without food. This structure stands as both a celebration of global unity and a call to action in support of the Food Bank of Northern Nevada, because ending hunger is a goal worth scoring.
