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QuickChek and New York Giants linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux recently teamed up with nonprofit organizations to champion youth empowerment and food access in Jersey City.
As part of a collaboration with America’s Grow-a-Row and Team Walker, the partners held a Nov. 11 event. The gathering combined a free farmers market for local seniors with hands-on nutrition education for area fifth-graders.
Amid growing food insecurity and uncertainty surrounding federal food assistance benefits, the free farmers market provided families with hundreds of pounds of locally grown fruits and vegetables. Besides learning how to prepare simple, healthy meals through interactive cooking demonstrations, kids also received bags of fresh produce to take home, according to the Whitehouse Station-based convenience chain.
Working together
The program comes a year after Thibodeaux became the first professional athlete to serve as a QuickChek brand ambassador. Through the ongoing partnership, he aims to show how discipline and healthy choices as well as community involvement can set up youngsters for future success.
Thibodeaux’s efforts with the Murphy USA subsidiary build on the mission of his Jream (Journey to Readiness in Enrichment and Academic Mentorship) Foundation. Both allow him to connect his leadership and visibility on the field to hands-on impact off the field.
“Being a professional athlete gives me a platform, and I’m intentional with how I use this platform,” Thibodeaux said in a statement. “Working with QuickChek provides me with even more opportunities to be part of real change right here in New Jersey by helping kids learn about healthy choices, leadership, and the importance of giving back to their own communities.”
Positive influence
Murphy USA Enterprise Philanthropy Leader Don Miller added, “Kayvon brings incredible energy and authenticity to everything he does. His influence as an athlete and community leader helps us reach young people in a way that inspires lasting change. Our partnership is about showing up together to make a meaningful impact in the lives of others.”
He noted that the initiative reflects QuickChek’s philanthropic pillars of education, access to food, and community connection. Miller said it also reinforces Murphy USA’s broader commitment to corporate citizenship.
Headquartered in Pittstown, America’s Grow-a-Row plants, grows, harvests, and distributes fresh fruits and vegetables to those facing food insecurity.
America’s Grow-a-Row President and founder Chip Paillex said, “When 1 million people in New Jersey don’t know where their next meal is coming from, our long-standing partnerships with QuickChek and Team Walker show how collaboration between local organizations and corporate partners ensures access to healthy, farm-fresh produce. Getting to add a professional athlete and motivator like Kayvon to the mix strengthens our community and inspires the next generation to become servant leaders.”
Former Seton Hall University basketball star Jerry Walker and his brother Jasper Walker founded Team Walker three decades ago. The organization provides academic and recreation programs to Jersey City youth.
Jerry Walker said partnerships with QuickChek and America’s Grow-a-Row “gives the next generation the tools they need to thrive.”
He added, “Kayvon’s story resonates with our kids because he represents what hard work and perseverance can achieve.”
