By Heather Graves
Correspondent
GREEN BAY – Green Bay Packers running back Aaron Jones is doing his part to help feed thousands of hungry families throughout the Green Bay community – one touchdown at a time.
Jones joined community partner Sargento Foods at Paul’s Pantry in Green Bay Tuesday, Dec. 3, to present volunteers with a check for $17,500 as part of the annual Touchdowns for Hunger program.
For the past 17 seasons, Sargento, the official cheese of the Green Bay Packers, has donated $500 to Paul’s Pantry for every touchdown the Packers score during the regular season.
“Over those 17 Packer seasons we have donated more than $300,000 to Paul’s Pantry,” said Portia Young, director of corporate communications for Sargento Foods. “A big part of our effort this year is thanks to one of the nicest people you’ll ever meet – No. 33, Aaron Jones.”
So far this 2019 season, the Packers have scored 35 touchdowns – 14 of those scored by Jones himself.
“The Packers are dedicated in taking an active role in communities across Wisconsin that constantly support the people who support and cheer us on,” Jones said. “I am proud to have been able to contribute with 14 total touchdowns so far this year. Even before any touchdowns were scored, this partnership was brought to me and ever since I’ve been scoring touchdowns.”
This year fans can get involved by liking, sharing or retweeting the official Touchdowns for Hunger promotion video on social media.
Young said every time a fan likes, shares or retweets the video an additional $1, up to $20,000, will be donated to the Touchdowns for Hunger program.
The video, which features Jones and Sargento Foods CEO Louie Gentine, can be found on the Packers Facebook page.
Since it began in 2002, the Touchdowns for Hunger program has raised more than $1.3 million to help alleviate hunger throughout Wisconsin, and it has provided more than 1 million meals to help those in need.
“We are a family-owned company at Sargento, and we believe in everything family,” Young said. “So that means that we support causes that make sure that people’s basic needs are met – food, shelter and education. Things that can keep families whole. And we really consider the community part of our stakeholder family. That’s why we share our success with the community through programs like Touchdowns for Hunger.”