In 2019, Brooke Goins, a Tennessee school teacher at Jacksboro Elementary School, shared a heartwarming story on Facebook about a hungry child in her class. The child had asked about “the lady who puts food in our backpacks,” referring to the school’s guidance counselor who provided food for students in need. The child mentioned liking “little Os” and expressed how they gave him a warm belly and helped him sleep.
This revelation moved Goins, prompting her to collaborate with other teachers to set up a food pantry for students facing food insecurity. They initially pooled their money to buy groceries for the hungry child and then expanded their efforts to create a food pantry for students in need.
Goins shared the story on social media to raise awareness and promote the food pantry. The post gained traction, leading to an unexpected turn of events—Jennifer Lopez and her then-fiancé, Alex Rodriguez, learned about the initiative and decided to help.
Lopez and Rodriguez, who were part investors in a food delivery service called Tiller & Hatch, donated a year’s worth of meals to the school’s food pantry. The celebrity couple arranged weekly deliveries of frozen soups, stews, and pasta to support the initiative.
In an Instagram post, Lopez expressed her gratitude and highlighted the importance of business ownership for making a positive impact on people’s lives. She emphasized the significance of giving back and being there for others.
The story serves as a reminder that acts of kindness, whether big or small, can make a significant difference in the lives of those facing challenges. It encourages people to contribute in various ways, be it through financial support, time, or donations of goods. The power of both small and large acts of kindness is underscored, inspiring individuals to make a positive impact within their communities.