On Friday, a handful of BYU, SUU and Utah State football players worked together to unload 20,000 pounds of pork at the Utah Food Bank.
It’s an annual donation, dating back to 2019, made through the Utah Pork Producers Association, or UPPA, in collaboration with Daily’s Premium Meats.
The three football teams joined forces to form a human chain, passing heavy boxes down an assembly line.
Players from Southern Utah and Utah State wore their team jerseys, while the four BYU players worked alongside them in matching team gear.
It was the quintessential example of the old adage: Many hands make light work.
In less than 10 minutes, the players had loaded two full pallets worth of thick sliced bacon.
The donation will provide over 100,000 servings to Utah families in need.
What the players said
One player from each football team expressed gratitude for their participation in this service project and their university’s desire to give back, each ending their brief remarks with a spirited “Go (mascot).”
“We at SUU are so grateful to have made the trip (up to Salt Lake City) today to serve and be a part of something so special,” Lincoln Tuioti-Mariner, a defensive back for the Thunderbirds, said.
Legend Glasker, a BYU freshman, shared with the Deseret News that the service reminds him of how Jesus Christ served while on the earth.
And last but not least, George Maile, an offensive linemen for the Utah State Aggies, said, “We’re thrilled and grateful to help out families in need and address food insecurity across Utah.”
What UPPA and Utah Food Bank representatives said
A press release from the association says, “UPPA strives to positively impact the industry and beyond with a focus on sustainable practices and community support.”
“Too many families in our community are struggling to put food on the table,” said Todd Ballard, UPPA president.
Since 2019, the UPPA has donated more than 200,000 pounds of meat to Utah Food Bank, according to the release.
“We’re thankful to UPPA, Daily’s Meats, and BYU, USU, and SUU Athletics for their generosity and commitment to our community,” said Ginette Bott, president and CEO of the Utah Food Bank.