More than 70 student-athletes from AFH University Washington D.C. joined AFH partner Thrivent and Blessings in a Backpack for a hands-on service event to combat food insecurity in the nation’s capital. Together, attendees packed meals that will provide 500 hunger-free weekends for children at Stanton Elementary School, a Title I school in Washington, D.C.
Stanton Elementary serves hundreds of children, 90% of whom rely on the free and reduced meals program during the school week. But for many of these students, weekends bring uncertainty about where their next meal will come from. Thanks to the student-athletes’ efforts, every child at Stanton had food to take home for the weekend.
“It was inspiring to see so many student-athletes come together with such energy and purpose,” said Jason Belinkie, CEO of Athletes for Hope, who joined the event. “The meals they packed will make a very real difference for kids and families here in D.C., and it’s a reminder of the incredible impact athletes can have off the field.”
This event reflects AFH University’s mission to equip student-athletes with tools and opportunities to become leaders on and off the field. By engaging in service projects like Blessings in a Backpack, athletes experience firsthand how small actions can create lasting change.
This event was made possible with support from Thrivent, whose partnership helps Athletes for Hope expand service opportunities for student-athletes across the country. Learn more about our partnership.
