For students on the Hunter High School football team, it isn’t just about the glory or the game. School athletics are also about the community and how the team can give back. This is why Hunter High football coach Sione Tongi makes it a goal to organize at least one community service project for his team to participate in every month. The team’s volunteer work makes them a positive influence on West Valley City both on and off the field. 

On Sept. 13, the team went to the USANA Foundation to volunteer for the Kids Eat program, which aims to ensure no child goes hungry in Utah. The program provides at-risk youth with take-home food packs. It currently serves over 6,000 kids throughout the Wasatch area. 

Students on the football team helped pack weekend bags full of nutritious meals to be shipped out to underprivileged youth. Coach Tongi posted a video to his Instagram account detailing the process and how every student worked hard to contribute. 

“We are so impressed with the Hunter High School football team’s heart for service,” said USANA Foundation Communications Manager Keri Lusk. “Volunteers are the heartbeat of our program, and we love seeing West Valley students getting out to serve their peers.” 

According to Tongi, service is a way of building stronger bonds within the team. “We want our athletes to understand the power of teamwork extends beyond the game,” he said. “It’s about lifting others up.” 

To help kids in need, Utah residents can donate to USANA Kids Eat from their official website. One-time donations and monthly donations both contribute to the cause of ending child hunger in our communities. Every backpack has an impact, and Hunter High football is one of many examples of West Valley City residents coming together to give a helping hand to those in need.