CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – Some 20 members of the University of Virginia football team showed up at the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank Harris Street distribution center for Kroger’s donation in the Touchdowns for Turkeys event. Kroger MidAtlantic’s James Manees said the team scored 31 touchdowns this past season for which they were donating 10 turkeys each… and they’re rounding up to 500 turkeys.  Blue Ridge Area Food Bank CEO Michael McKee said this effort couldn’t come at a better time with demand up 20% over the record they saw during the pandemic. He also pointed out 1-in-4 UVA students if food insecure, a fact that took some of the players by surprise.

Touchdowns for Turkeys players
UVA players unload Kroger Touchdowns for Turkeys donations

Graduate student Elijah Gaines said they are fortunate they’re in a position to help, and he wants to continue giving back to the community either through efforts like this or mentoring young people. Graduating senior Stevie Bracey says the number is surprising to hear but seeing the players in the football program with some coming from well-to-do families and some not, he can certainly see how that number could ring true.

Touchdown for Turkeys players
UVA football players unload Kroger’s Touchdowns for Turkeys donation