Families in the Salt Lake City School District will receive the food and household items
Feast Boxes will be distributed at a drive-up event on Oct. 12 at the Park Place Parking Lot
Ken Garff Automotive Group and the Utah Jazz, in collaboration with the Salt Lake City School District, Salt Lake Education Foundation, and four local schools, are teaming up to provide "Feast Boxes" to 350 food-insecure families in the district during the fall break.
This partnership aims to alleviate the hardships faced by many food-insecure families impacted by the ongoing pandemic, particularly those who heavily rely on meal programs provided by their local schools. The Ken Garff/Utah Jazz Feast Boxes, filled with essential food and cleaning items, will offer much-needed relief during the school district's fall break from Oct. 12-17.
"We understand the immense need for support within our community, especially among families that depend on school meal programs," said Brett Hopkins, CEO of Ken Garff Automotive Group. "We're proud to partner with the Utah Jazz and local schools to make a positive impact and provide some relief during challenging times."
Valued at over $100, each feast box will include ground hamburger, noodles, pasta sauce, bread, PB&J, canned chicken, rice, vegetables, fruit, dish soap, counter cleaner, chili, pancake mix, oatmeal, milk, snacks, and more.
“It means a lot to the Jazz that we work with partners who share our commitment to spending time, energy and resources to make Utah and our communities a better place,” said Chris Barney, chief commercial officer at the Utah Jazz. “Ken Garff Automotive has made a difference to individuals and families across our state through the ongoing service projects it organizes across dealerships, and we’re grateful to be part of this effort.”
While all items were selected based on a “wish list” provided by the Salt Lake Education Foundation, a surprise gift of a Ken Garff/Utah Jazz blanket will also be included.
"We are deeply grateful to Ken Garff Automotive and the Utah Jazz for not only the food donation and keeping our students healthy, but also for making sure they feel good about themselves," said Salt Lake Education Foundation Director James Yapias. "We will continue working with community partners to create an equitable educational experience for all Salt Lake City School District students."
The distribution of feast boxes will take place from 4:00-6:00 p.m. Oct. 12. Families will be treated to a fun drive-through experience at Park Place that will include balloons, a DJ, giveaways, and an appearance by Jazz Bear. One family per participating school will also receive a VIP Jazz night experience, including game tickets, food, transportation, and more.
Ken Garff Automotive Group and the Utah Jazz have made this initiative possible with the financial support and dedication of several of their dealerships, including Ken Garff Riverdale Honda, Riverdale Nissan, Riverdale GMC Buick, West Valley Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Fiat, West Valley Ford, Ferrari Parking Lot, 50 North 300 West, directly across from the Delta Center in Salt Lake City. Families, Mercedes, Volvo, Alfa Romeo Maserati, and Jaguar Land Rover Downtown.