in Support of Five Food Banks

Matching Funds Raised in New York, Pittsburgh, Jacksonville, North Texas and Central Texas

New York Jets’ KELVIN BEACHUM, a native of Mexia, tackles hunger by kicking off a World Food Day Match Challenge in support of food banks in New York, Pittsburgh, Jacksonville, North Texas and Central Texas.
Beachum will donate $5,000 to each of these food banks, pledging to double this amount if matched with community support by World Food Day on October 16, 2018, for a total contribution is up to $75,000.

Now, through October 16th, fans can visit KelvinBeachum.com to donate to one of five food banks and also learn more about opportunities to support their local food bank through volunteering.

“I have had times in my life where I suffered from food insecurity,” explains Beachum. “I feel strongly that no one should ever have to choose between paying their electric bill or putting food on the table. I know firsthand that community support goes a long way and is greatly appreciated. God has provided me an NFL platform to hopefully inspire others to join me in the fight to end hunger.”

Beachum is kicking off a match challenge with five food banks including:

–Central Texas Food Bank – Hometown of Mexia, Texas

–North Texas Food Bank – College town’s food bank (SMU)

–Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank – played with the Pittsburgh Steelers (2012 to 2015)

–Feeding Northeast Florida  – played with the Jacksonville Jaguars (2016)

–Food Bank for New York City – plays with the New York Jets (2017 to present)

World Food Day is celebrated around the world on October 16th in honor of the founding of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations in 1945.

According to Feeding America, one in eight people in the United States struggle with hunger. Forty-million people face hunger in the U.S. today, including more than twelve-million children and more than five-million seniors.

With the help of food banks and the community at large, the goal of Beachum’s campaign is to raise funds and awareness around food insecurity in this country.

  ABOUT KELVIN BEACHUM:

Beachum’s parents and grandparents relied on food stamps, he received reduced lunch at school and the family struggled with food insecurity throughout his childhood. Beachum recognized the blessing of witnessing his parents’ transition from relying on the kindness of strangers to welcoming neighbors and friends to eat at their home.

 As a result of these experiences, Kelvin knows the importance of getting food to people in need and wants to inspire others to join him in the fight against hunger.

  Since joining the NFL in 2012, Beachum has been a public advocate in the fight against hunger. In May 2015, he became an official spokesman for Bread for the World and helped them pass legislation to improve school lunch and breakfast programs.

  He is also a member of the Feeding America Entertainment Council and a support agent for their network of over 200 domestic food banks. He has a strategic partnership with World Vision for global humanitarian efforts focusing on combatting hunger, providing access to clean water, education and disaster relief. 

Beachum is the 2018 United Way Hometown Hero, the 2017 and 2018 Community MVP Award winner as well as the finalist for Humanitarian of the Year by All Stars of Giving.