JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jaguars, Feeding Northeast Florida and Verizon Wireless teamed up Saturday morning at Englewood High School to hand out food to families in need.
The lines were long, but consumed with gratitude from the families who received bags of food in their trunk and their hands.
Among those handing out the food was former Jaguars player Jorge Cordova.
Cordova played linebacker and defensive end for the Jags between 2004 and 2007. He said doing this kind of work is personal for him.
“I am of Latin descent myself. I am Mexican American, first-generation here in America. To be able to accomplish my dream, I want to give that same hope and outlook for the community here of Florida, especially that Latin community and those kids. Saying that you can do it as well,” Cordova said.
The Jaguars, Feeding Northeast Florida and Verizon Wireless distributed enough food to feed at least 250 families.
Anyone was welcome, but there was also a focus on Hispanic and Latino families as a part of National Hispanic Heritage Month, which kicks off Sunday.
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“Just seeing the smiling faces is the best thing. Just really knowing that you are making it impact. To be perfectly honest with you, my family used to go into these lines or some still do,” Cordova said. “It touches something more inside than just your typical, ‘Hey we are out here helping out.’ There is a closer involvement there where I know the people that I am impacting because I grew up with those people and I was one of those people before.”
Jennifer Conant with Verizon Wireless said all involved wanted people to know they care about this community and have the mission to alleviate food insecurity for everyone.
“This is a tumultuous time. Making sure that they can eat helps them work and play and live. When you are hungry, it is hard to do that,” Conant said. “As a proud Jacksonville resident, I am so excited to be partnering here with the Jags on behalf of Verizon because we want to make sure that we are showing up in our local communities where we live work and play.”
From plenty of bags of food to even Jags gear, like T-shirts and wristbands being handed out — the goal at Englewood High School was to make sure those who showed up have what they need to survive and thrive.