“A lot of people think it’s really fun and love to see police officers, who people are normally afraid of, just chowing down on food,” Cann said.

Thursday night was the second-annual Pig Bowl competition between the MSU and East Lansing police departments to benefit SADD. Noodles & Company donated 25 percent of their profit to SADD from 4-9 p.m. when customers hand them the event’s promotional flyer.

Five members of each police department ate bowls of noodles one at a time in competition for the “Pig Bowl” trophy, Cann said. Last year, the event raised more than $400, and this year’s goal was $500. Cann said the turnout was similar to last year and she will not know how much money was raised for a few weeks.

The money raised goes toward SADD events held year-round such as the SADD forum, where police officers and community members share their experiences with drunken driving, Cann said.

After hearing about the event from a friend, Kaliegh Cousineau, a Lansing Community College student, said she had to see the showdown.

“It’s nice to see them having fun and enjoying themselves instead of being so serious all the time,” she said.

The event adds some fun in the department as well, East Lansing Capt. Tom Johnstone said.

“It’s a nice little rivalry between the police departments, and we poke a little fun at each other,” he said.

Johnstone said the message of not drinking before driving is very personal for many MSU students and remains important in the local community.

“Especially in the East Lansing and MSU communities, there are all sorts of ways to take advantage of other transportation home,” he said.

MSU Police Lt. Randy Holton said the eating contest is one of many events held throughout the year to raise awareness of the cause. The police department arranges for a Mothers Against Drunk Driving crash car to make multiple appearances on MSU’s campus and help get the group’s message to the community.

“I believe as an organization, especially a student group that offers a positive message, we should do whatever we can to foster that message and support the group,” Holton said.

The message reaches people outside of those who attend the events, he said.

“The message is important,” Holton said. “The idea is that they’re not against drinking, but they’re saying be responsible when you do.”