Joe Burrow Headlines the 2025 Annual Children’s Hunger Alliance Menu of Hope, Bringing Awareness to Childhood Hunger

Joe Burrow Champions the Fight Against Childhood Hunger

Joe Burrow, the star quarterback of the Cincinnati Bengals, has never forgotten his roots. The Athens, Ohio, native has continuously used his platform to shine a light on critical issues, and on March 6, 2025, he did just that as the headliner of the 30th Annual Children’s Hunger Alliance Menu of Hope in Columbus, Ohio.

The event, held at the Hyatt Regency Columbus, aimed to raise funds and awareness to combat childhood hunger across Ohio. The Children’s Hunger Alliance (CHA), a nonprofit dedicated to ensuring that all children have access to nutritious meals, has hosted this annual fundraiser for three decades.

Burrow’s presence at the event was met with excitement from young fans and supporters alike, as he shared his commitment to fighting food insecurity and supporting children’s mental health through his Joe Burrow Foundation. His involvement in social causes has made him a hero not only on the football field but also in communities struggling with hunger and poverty.

Why Joe Burrow’s Advocacy for Food Security Matters

Food insecurity affects millions of children across the United States, with Ohio being no exception. According to the Ohio Association of Foodbanks, more than one in five children in Ohio faces food insecurity, meaning they lack consistent access to enough food for an active, healthy life.

For Burrow, this issue is personal. In his 2019 Heisman Trophy acceptance speech, he spoke candidly about the struggles of families in his hometown of Athens, a region where nearly 30% of children live in poverty. His emotional speech led to an outpouring of support, with donations flooding into the Athens County Food Pantry, raising over $650,000 in just a few weeks.

That moment sparked a lasting commitment. In 2022, Burrow and his mother, Robin Burrow, co-founded the Joe Burrow Foundation, which focuses on two critical issues:

• Fighting food insecurity by funding meal programs and food pantries.

• Supporting children’s mental health through grants and partnerships with healthcare providers.

His foundation has since donated millions of dollars to communities in need, ensuring that children and families have access to nutritious meals, mental health support, and essential resources.

A Star-Studded Fundraiser with a Powerful Message

The 2025 Menu of Hope luncheon was a sold-out affair, with notable Ohio figures, community leaders, and young athletes in attendance. The event was emceed by ABC6/FOX28 anchor Jessica Ralston, adding a familiar face to an already star-studded lineup.

Seated among the guests were several young boys and girls, eagerly awaiting their hero, Joe Burrow, to take the stage. Their excitement was palpable as they whispered among themselves, clutching their footballs and Bengals jerseys, hoping for a chance to meet the quarterback.

When Burrow finally took the stage, the room erupted in applause. He delivered a heartfelt speech about the importance of community involvement in addressing childhood hunger, emphasizing that no child should ever have to worry about where their next meal is coming from.

Key Highlights from Joe Burrow’s Speech

During his speech, Burrow highlighted the ongoing challenges that food-insecure children face and shared updates on his foundation’s latest initiatives:

1. $1.3 Million in Grants to Fight Hunger and Support Mental Health

• The Joe Burrow Foundation recently awarded grants to 24 organizations across Ohio, Kentucky, and Louisiana, helping to fund school meal programs, food banks, and youth mental health services.

2. Partnership with La Soupe to Provide 120,000+ Meals

• By partnering with La Soupe, a Cincinnati-based nonprofit, Burrow’s foundation is helping to rescue surplus food and turn it into healthy meals for children in need.

3. Expansion of the “Do Good Grants” Program

• Schools and local organizations can now apply for funding to implement new meal programs and provide mental health support for at-risk youth.

4. Back-to-School Nutrition Program

• In collaboration with Kodiak, his foundation has provided 30,000 nutritious breakfast meals for students to ensure they start their school day with a full stomach.

Burrow’s speech was met with a standing ovation, as attendees were moved by his passion and dedication to helping vulnerable children.

Children’s Hunger Alliance: 30 Years of Fighting Childhood Hunger

For three decades, the Children’s Hunger Alliance has been on a mission to ensure that no child in Ohio goes hungry. The organization partners with schools, childcare centers, and community groups to provide:

• Free and reduced-cost school meals for children from low-income families.

• Summer meal programs to ensure kids don’t go hungry when school is out.

• Nutrition education initiatives to teach families how to prepare healthy, affordable meals.

With more than 530,000 meals provided annually, the CHA has made a significant impact, but the fight is far from over. Events like the Menu of Hope luncheon help generate crucial funds to continue expanding these programs.

Fundraising Success: A Record-Breaking Year

Thanks to the generosity of attendees, sponsors, and donors, the 2025 Menu of Hope luncheon raised over $530,000—a new record for the event. These funds will go directly toward feeding food-insecure children across Ohio, expanding school meal programs, and supporting local food pantries.

In a statement following the event, CHA President Judy Mobley expressed gratitude for Burrow’s involvement, noting that his advocacy has inspired countless people to take action against childhood hunger.

Joe Burrow’s Impact Beyond Football

Joe Burrow’s influence extends far beyond the football field. While he continues to dominate in the NFL, leading the Cincinnati Bengals in their quest for a Super Bowl, his true legacy may very well be the lives he changes through his charitable work.

Burrow’s presence at the 2025 Menu of Hope luncheon reinforced the idea that athletes and public figures have a responsibility to use their platforms for good. His continued efforts to fight childhood hunger and support mental health show that true leadership isn’t just about winning games—it’s about giving back to the community.

How You Can Get Involved

For those inspired by Joe Burrow’s mission, there are several ways to help fight childhood hunger:

• Donate to the Joe Burrow Foundation (joeburrow.org) to support meal programs and mental health initiatives.

• Volunteer with the Children’s Hunger Alliance (childrenshungeralliance.org) to help distribute meals to kids in need.

• Advocate for better food security policies by reaching out to local lawmakers and supporting school meal programs.

• Spread awareness by sharing information on social media and encouraging others to get involved.

Final Thoughts: A Quarterback with a Cause

The 2025 Annual Children’s Hunger Alliance Menu of Hope luncheon was a resounding success, thanks in large part to the dedication of Joe Burrow and his foundation. His ongoing fight against childhood hunger has already made a tangible impact, and with continued support, he hopes to eradicate food insecurity in Ohio and beyond.

As the NFL star continues his career, one thing is clear: Joe Burrow isn’t just a football player—he’s a champion for the next generation.