Gobert Teaming With Smith’s Food To Open Emergency Pantry

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Rudy Gobert and Smith’s Food are teaming with the Salt Lake Education Foundation to open a food pantry at Northwest Middle School.

The school estimates that more than 85 percent of its student body lives below the poverty line including several dozen students who are unhoused.

Gobert is working with the school on behalf of his Rudy’s Kids Foundation which seeks to protect, promote and empower kids to rise above their life challenges towards their success according to the organization’s website.

@RudysFoundation and @MySmithsGrocery are teaming up with the Salt Lake Education Foundation to open a food pantry at Northwest Middle School. pic.twitter.com/LwcfnayL5B

— utahjazz (@utahjazz) October 14, 2021

The Salt Lake Education Foundation supports students in the Salt Lake City School District with help from the community and volunteers through music programs or gifts of food for families.

It’s estimated that roughly 1,300-1,500 students and their families live with food insecurities. Growing up in France in a single-parent house, Gobert has said he also at times found himself wondering where his next meal would come from.

The pantry provided by Gobert, Smith’s Food, and the Salt Lake Education Foundation will provide students and their families with access to emergency food and the ability to learn about other community resources.  Located at 1730 West 1700 North in Salt Lake City, the pantry will be stocked with life-sustaining proteins, fresh produce, dairy, meat, and snacks.

Rudy’s Kids Foundation

Gobert’s Rudy’s Kids Foundation has helped youths both locally and abroad during his time with the Jazz. In addition to setting up the food pantry, the All-Star center teams with charities that directly impact the lives of kids around the world.

Gobert recently unveiled a new court of his own as part of the “The Rudy Gobert Academy.” The basketball court was just the beginning of a massive project in Levallois-Perret, France that will offer youth from ages 10-16 lessons in English, writing, music, community outreach, and athletic development.

Rudy's Kids is proud to support @UTCommAction by donating over 3500 items including coats, winter boots, shoes and toys for children 0-18 years old.

Thank you for empowering children and families ❤️ pic.twitter.com/UQbmXfnSVv

— Rudy’s Kids (@RudysFoundation) December 14, 2020

The Jazz superstar teamed with Nike to build the court entirely of recycled materials and Etendart to assist with the educational aspect of the academy.

Gobert has also worked with the Chip Cookie Company to raise money for his foundation and provided Christmas gifts and winter clothes including coats, boots, and shoes to kids over the last several years.