By JENNIFER MOLK - For The Outpost

It is called the most unusual food charity event in the world, and it is coming to Billings for the first time ever.

Canstruction is an annual international competition that brings together architects, engineers and students to design a structure strictly out of cans of food. Once constructed here in Billings, those cans of food will be donated to the Billings Food Bank to feed the homeless and those in need.

Dr. Karen Beiser of Rocky Mountain College is spearheading this year’s inaugural event in Billings, with the aid of dozens of area architects, engineers, and faculty members and students from Rocky’s rival down the street, Montana State University Billings.

“Both colleges within a few days of each other approached us to do this project and we’re just delighted that the two universities are doing this as a team effort,” said Sheryl Shandy, executive director of the Billings Food Bank. “Hunger and homeless are never a turf issue.”