The holiday season coincides with the giving season, and during this time of year, we see individuals and organizations band together to help those who are less fortunate or currently struggling. The Granite Education Foundation is no stranger to helping district families find access to food. As Granite School District’s philanthropic organization, the foundation is consistently looking for ways to mitigate student hunger and help families suffering from food insecurity.

On Nov. 22, the foundation partnered with Smith’s Food and Drug stores and Jordan Clarkson of the Utah Jazz to provide holiday dinners to some ecstatic and grateful children. The event took place at Valley Junior High where turkey and other holiday essentials were distributed. 

“It means a lot to be able to have that reach and to be in the position that we are,” said Clarkson, a point guard for the Utah Jazz. “We just want to, you know, bless everybody, just like they bless us. You know, the energy and support that everybody gives in this community has been amazing.”

The JC Cares Foundation, Clarkson’s initiative partnered with Smith’s, a subsidiary of Kroger’s Zero Hunger and Zero Waste Foundation, to provide these holiday meals. “It’s been great to partner with the Kroger Zero Hunger and Zero Waste Foundation. Kroger is a huge corporation that has the capacity to do so corporation tangible good, which makes their involvement all the more impactful,” the JC Cares Foundation posted in a media memo.

The students were able to meet Clarkson amongst other Utah Jazz players as they received their holiday meals. “Everybody is happy, smiling, it warms everybody’s heart…it’s all love. It’s community,” Clarkson said. 

Valley Junior High School principal Mandy Chapple was one of many to express gratitude. “The children [were] beaming, just so happy,” she said. “The kids are super pumped to see [Clarkson], as well as receive this much-needed meal for our community.”

If you’re looking to get involved directly in the Granite School District, the Granite Education Foundation is a great place to start. Their yearlong initiatives are vital to those who need assistance, particularly when it comes to food insecurity.