ATHENS, Ohio — There’s no doubting the impact Athens native Joe Burrow continues to have on his hometown community. 

What You Need To Know

  • The Athens County Food Pantry continues to see the impact of Joe Burrow’s Heisman acceptance speech

  • Here lately, the pantry has seen some $31 donations from Bengals fans celebrating the club breaking a 31-year playoff victory drought

  • The organization relies on thousands of small-dollar donations to provide for needy families

“If you wanted to write a story, nobody would buy this one because they would not believe this to be true,” said Athens County Food Pantry President Karin Bright. 

With the help of the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio and 40 volunteers, the pantry can provide meals for 250 families per month.

“We’ve taken part of those donation monies and we’ve worked with the foundation to start and endowment so that we can continue the work that we do here in Athens County, and we can also help throughout the region,” said Bright.  

Yes, the pandemic has brought about some challenges with logistics, but donations are steady. However, the reality of food insecurity remains.

“There are at least one in five people in our county who aren’t sure that they’re going to be able to eat tonight or eat tomorrow and so we’re very worried about that. There are people who really hesitate to come and ask for help they need and we’re here to help everybody that is in that situation,” said Bright. 

Foundation for Appalachian Ohio program manager Emily Vigue said over the last few years, it isn’t just one person writing a check to help the organizations thrive. It’s been thousands of small donations.

“Whether it was when he was injured, people were giving $9 in support of Joe Burrow, or more recently, they’re giving $31 because of breaking the drought. Just a great example of everyday people really getting together and saying you know, ‘I might not have a lot to give, but I will give what I can because I really believe in this,’” said Vigue. 

While Burrow continues to march the Bengals closer to one of the most coveted trophies in sports, Bright hopes his Heisman speech will continue to resonate with Athens County residents for years to come.

“I think those words meant a lot. We have given hope to people in this area, hope that it’s ok to come and ask for help, hope that things can be better and hope that you can do this too,” said Bright. 

Athens County families who are in need can pick up one box, a three-day supply of food per month. 

For more information, click here. 

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