Michael Jordan is Making (Food) Baskets

By Riley Kinum January 29, 2021

Jordan’s $2 million donation represents a significant portion of the profits he has amassed from his docuseries, “The Last Dance.” His large gift to Feeding America will help local food banks in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Chicago. Feeding America is a nonprofit organization responsible for operating more than 200 food banks. They currently serve 46 million Americans.

According to the charity, 1 in 9 people struggle with hunger in the United States. The numbers of those facing food insecurity continue to rise as unemployment rates spike upward in the face of the pandemic. Invoking Feeding America’s $1=10 meals promise, the NBA legend will be responsible for providing 20 million meals.

With his generosity and empathy, Jordan reminds us all of the importance of giving back. In the statement announcing his huge donation, Jordan also stated, “In these challenging times and in a year of unimaginable difficulty due to Covid-19, it’s more important than ever to pause and give thanks.”

Feeding America was especially appreciative and grateful, tweeting, “An incredible gift to be thankful for- NBA legend Michael Jordan is donating $2 million to help our neighbors facing hunger! #TheLastDance. Every action makes a difference. Join Michael & visit FeedingAmerica.org/COVID19 to learn how you can donate or volunteer this holiday season. While we might not all have the funds to finance Feeding America monetarily, there are other ways to donate, whether it be time, ideas, or event planning.

Jordan’s philanthropic pursuits did not begin in 2020 and likely will continue for years to come. His charitable activities are especially significant in the areas of Chicago, Illinois, and Charlotte, North Carolina. Ranging from donations to hospitals and clinics, the Special Olympics, the NAACP, and Youth Programs, Jordan’s goal is clear: do good. Most recently, he pledged to donate $100 million over the next ten years to organizations dedicated to fighting for racial equality. He is using his wealth and influence to make the world a better place. While he will always be known for the baskets he’s made, his legacy survives among those whom he has given aid.