QuickChek and Kayvon Thibodeaux Champion Youth Empowerment and Food Access in Jersey City
Partnership with America’s Grow-a-Row and Team Walker delivers fresh produce to seniors, along with nutrition education and mentorship to local youth
Whitehouse Station, NJ – November 13, 2025 – Professional football player Kayvon Thibodeaux spent his day off teaming up with QuickChek, a Murphy USA company and New Jersey’s leader in fresh convenience to uplift youth and strengthen communities in Northern New Jersey. On Tuesday, Nov. 11, in collaboration with America’s Grow-a-Row and Team Walker, the partners hosted a special event in Jersey City that combined a free farmers market for local seniors with hands-on nutrition education for participating fifth graders.
The day’s activities centered on three areas where QuickChek and Thibodeaux’s values align:
Food accessibility
Education
Youth empowerment
Participants took home bags of fresh produce donated by America’s Grow-a-Row, and area fifth graders learned how to prepare simple, healthy meals through interactive cooking demonstrations.
The free farmers market, a continuing collaboration between America’s Grow-a-Row and Team Walker, provided families in the area with hundreds of pounds of locally grown fruits and vegetables. The event underscored the power of local partnerships at a time when families are facing increasing food insecurity and reductions in SNAP benefits.
While Thibodeaux’s name is often associated with the football, his ongoing partnership with QuickChek is about far more than selling delicious sub sandwiches. It represents a shared commitment to making a tangible difference in the neighborhoods the brand and its team members proudly serve.
“Kayvon brings incredible energy and authenticity to everything he does,” said Don Miller, Enterprise Leader of Philanthropy at Murphy USA. “His influence as an athlete and community leader helps us reach young people in a way that inspires lasting change. Our partnership is about showing up together to make a meaningful impact in the lives of others.”
Thibodeaux’s work with QuickChek builds on the mission of his Jream Foundation by connecting his leadership and visibility on the field to hands-on impact off the field.
“Being a professional athlete gives me a platform, and I'm intentional with how I use this platform,” said Kayvon Thibodeaux. “Working with QuickChek provides me with even more opportunities to be part of real change right here in New Jersey by helping kids learn about healthy choices, leadership, and the importance of giving back to their own communities.”
This initiative reflects QuickChek’s philanthropic pillars of Education, Access to Food, and Community Connection, and reinforces Murphy USA’s broader commitment to corporate citizenship through its Enterprise Philanthropy Program.
“When one million people in New Jersey don’t know where their next meal is coming from, our long-standing partnerships with QuickChek and Team Walker show how collaboration between local organizations and corporate partners ensures access to healthy, farm-fresh produce,” said Chip Paillex, Founder and President of America’s Grow-a-Row. “Getting to add a professional athlete and motivator like Kayvon to the mix strengthens our community and inspires the next generation to become servant leaders.”
By blending Thibodeaux’s athletic platform with QuickChek’s deep community roots, the partnership demonstrates how purpose-driven collaboration can deliver lasting impact on and off the field.
“Kayvon’s story resonates with our kids because he represents what hard work and perseverance can achieve,” said Jerry Walker, Founder of Team Walker. “This partnership with QuickChek and America’s Grow-a-Row gives the next generation the tools they need to thrive.”
Visit QuickChek’s website to learn more about the convenience store’s community initiatives.
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About QuickChek
QuickChek is a wholly owned subsidiary of Murphy USA. QuickChek operates more than 150 stores throughout New Jersey, New York’s Hudson Valley, and Long Island. Team members are local to the communities they serve and are passionate about offering fresh food and exceptional service. Since opening its first store in 1967, QuickChek has remained committed to supporting local organizations, including America’s Grow-a-Row, Community Food Bank of New Jersey, Meals on Wheels, and Boys & Girls Clubs of America. Learn more at QuickChek.com/Our-Communities.
About America’s Grow-a-Row
Founded in 2002, America’s Grow-a-Row is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization headquartered in Pittstown, NJ, dedicated to fighting hunger and promoting healthy eating by growing and distributing farm-fresh produce to those in need. Through its farms, volunteers, and educational programming, AGAR has donated more than 25 million pounds of produce—over 100 million servings—since its inception. Learn more at www.americasgrowarow.org.
About Team Walker
Founded in 1996 by former professional basketball player Jerry Walker, Team Walker’s mission is to improve the quality of life for the children and families of Jersey City through education, recreation, and community outreach. Learn more at teamwalker.org.
About the Jream Foundation
Founded by NFL player Kayvon Thibodeaux, the Jream Foundation empowers youth through education, mentorship, and healthy lifestyle initiatives, helping young people reach their fullest potential. Learn more at thejreamfoundation.org.