Joe Burrow Foundation Delivers Hope and Holiday Meals

When Joe Burrow stepped up to the podium to accept the 2019 Heisman Trophy, he used that moment not to spotlight himself but to shine a light on something bigger: food insecurity in his hometown of Athens County, Ohio. “There’s so many people out there that don’t have a lot,” he said with heartfelt sincerity. Those words planted a seed that has since grown into something truly special—The Joe Burrow Foundation, an organization committed to helping underprivileged children and families, fighting food insecurity, and improving youth mental health.

This week, that mission came alive once again.

In partnership with Kroger, the Joe Burrow Foundation is spreading a little extra holiday joy by delivering 300 food boxes to families in need across the three communities it proudly serves: Cincinnati, Athens, and Baton Rouge.

On December 16, the first stop for this initiative was North College Hill Elementary School in Cincinnati, where 100 families were invited to pick up boxes overflowing with everything needed for a hearty holiday meal. Picture ham, potatoes, fresh vegetables, and a delicious dessert—real, wholesome food to bring warmth to the table.

But the Joe Burrow Foundation didn’t stop there. Each family also received a swag bag, a small but meaningful reminder that someone—Joe, his team, and his partners—cares deeply.

The next stops? Joe’s hometown of Athens, Ohio, and his old college stomping grounds of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, on December 18, where the remaining 200 food boxes will be delivered.

This initiative isn’t just about alleviating hunger. It’s about providing families with a sense of joy and dignity during what can be a challenging time of year. It’s about connection, community, and care.

The Joe Burrow Foundation isn’t just a one-time, feel-good story—it’s an ongoing effort to address critical needs. With food insecurity as one of its cornerstones, the foundation continues to create opportunities to support struggling families.

In 2022 alone, it raised significant funds through programs like Yards for Youth, where Joe’s performance on the field translates into real-world donations for youth-focused programs. Community-driven campaigns like these show how sports, philanthropy, and action can intersect to make a difference.

But the foundation’s impact doesn’t stop with food. It also zeroes in on an issue that affects far too many families: youth mental health. Through grant programs and partnerships with schools and organizations, the foundation is actively working to create resources for children who need it most.

What makes Joe Burrow’s story—and this foundation—so compelling is how genuine it feels. He’s not just lending his name to a cause; he’s championing it. It’s easy to see how his 2019 Heisman speech, where he spoke about Athens County’s struggles, became the catalyst for something much larger.

At the time, Burrow’s words inspired a grassroots movement that raised over $500,000 for the Athens County Food Pantry within days. That initial wave of generosity underscored just how powerful compassion can be. Fast-forward to today, and that same spirit is at the heart of the Joe Burrow Foundation’s work.

None of this would be possible without strong partnerships and support. Organizations like Kroger have stepped up in a big way to help the foundation reach more families, and countless volunteers, donors, and sponsors have contributed along the way. Brands like SugarCreek, Jeff Ruby Culinary Entertainment, Guinness, and Gravity Diagnostics are among those who have stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Joe’s team, showing what’s possible when businesses and communities rally together.

Food insecurity is a silent challenge that impacts millions of families across the country. For kids, it’s more than just an empty stomach—it’s an uphill climb in school, in sports, and in life. The Joe Burrow Foundation’s food box deliveries are a small but powerful step toward easing that burden and brightening the holidays for families who need it most.

As Joe Burrow continues to inspire fans on the field, it’s clear his impact off the field is just as remarkable. Through initiatives like these food deliveries, the Joe Burrow Foundation is proving that kindness, teamwork, and heart can make a real difference.

If this story resonates with you, there are plenty of ways to support the Joe Burrow Foundation. Whether it’s through a donation, a pledge in one of their fundraising campaigns, or simply spreading the word, every action—big or small—adds up.

To learn more about the foundation’s mission and future initiatives, visit Joe Burrow Foundation and follow along as they continue to tackle food insecurity and youth mental health, one community at a time.

Because, as Joe Burrow himself showed us, it only takes one person to start a movement.