There are some new structures at the Oakdale Mall but they have nothing to do with merchandising.

The annual Canstruction competition that has groups building displays out of cans of food is underway.

Nearly 30,000 pounds of food has been donated to the effort that will be judged April 11 with awards presented from 5:30-7:30 p.m. for Best Original Design, Best Use of Labels, Most Cans, Structural Ingenuity, Best Meal, Jurors’ Favorite and Honorable Mention.  The public has a say, too by voting online for the People’s Choice Award at www.foodbankst.org.

The structures are on display through Sunday, April 15. After that, the food is going to the Community Hunger Outreach Warehouse (CHOW) and the Food Bank of the Southern Tier.

This is the 5th year companies, school students and other groups have signed on to make fanciful buildings and landscapes entirely out of canned goods.  Competitors range from engineers from BAE Systems and Lockheed Martin to Chenango Valley High School and SUNY Broome Community College Students.

Local winners have the chance to compete at the national level.

More From WNBF News Radio 1290 AM & 92.1 FM