Jalen Carter Foundation Supports Nonprofit Helping Grandparent-Led Households in Philly

Eagles Defensive Tackle Jalen Carter has teamed up with a nonprofit that will support grandparent-led households as children begin summer vacation.

Through his foundation, Carter has made a more than $17,000 donation to Connectedly to help grandparent-led households address food insecurity during the summer.

The nonprofit supporting older adults kicked off its Philly Families Eat Smart summer program. The initiative provides families with fresh produce, cooking classes, healthy meals, and more.

In an interview with CBS News Philadelphia, Jalen Carter acknowledged his mom, who provided him the inspiration to give back. 

"She had a daycare, and I always grew up around kids, and I was always helping around with the daycare and stuff, so I always knew I wanted to give back to the community. Every opportunity I get, I take it," Carter said.

Arenda Bethel is one of several grandparent-led households involved with Connectedly. She said Connectedly and Carter's donation will significantly help members of her generation care for their grandchildren. 

"What would our future look like if programs like this did not exist to help? Who is supposed to be our future?" she asked.

Dionne Chambers, grand family educator for Connectedly, agreed, stating, "People are recognizing how important grandfamily-head households are."