In light of recent price increases at the grocery store, the Jefferson County (Fla.) Schools football team has started a food drive to support players' basic nutritional needs.
Pastor of Restore Glory Christian Center Eddie Yon was recently tapped to be the Tigers' team captain, and his first order of business was to start the food drive for the players.
“Well the coach came to me and asked me to be the Team Chaplain and I asked him well what do you need and the first thing he said was food," Yon told WTXL.
Yon set up a table outside his center, asking community members to donate what they could.
Assistant athletic director Shaundra Buggs said that between long school days and practice, it’s a challenge to keep these young athletes energized.
“With two parents that are actively in their lives, it’s still a struggle. Things are going up as far as the cost of food,” Buggs said.
The community has stepped up to help.
“Everybody needs some help sometimes and their coach is trying to do a good thing and them kids— they’re grinding," said neighbor Otis Norton. "So, anything I can do to help them, I’m going to do that.”
Yon said the first week of donations is promising.
“I believe we’ve got enough to get them through maybe the first week, but it doesn’t stop this week so we need that continuous support," Yon said.
