Breaking: Kentucky Star Guard Otega Oweh Donates $200,000 to Forest School Food Program, Supporting Nutrition and Education for Children
— Lexington, KY — In a powerful act of giving back, University of Kentucky basketball standout Otega Oweh has donated $200,000 to the Forest School Food Program, an initiative committed to feeding children and supporting their education in underserved communities.
The surprise donation, announced early Tuesday morning, has already generated significant buzz across social media and within local and national education and sports communities. Oweh, a rising star in college basketball and a key player in Kentucky’s 2024–25 season, described the gesture as “a responsibility, not a favor.”
“I come from a community where opportunities were rare, and hunger was real,” said Oweh in a statement released by his foundation. “I know what it’s like to try to focus in class when your stomach is empty. No child should have to live that way. This is about leveling the playing field—not just on the court, but in life.”
The Forest School Food Program is a grassroots initiative that provides nutritious meals to children attending rural and low-income schools, while also promoting educational outcomes and sustainable food practices. The program has been operating in several districts for the past five years and has gained a reputation for its comprehensive approach—combining daily meals with nutrition education, school gardening, and academic support.
With Oweh’s contribution, the program is expected to expand to 12 new schools across Kentucky and surrounding states, delivering more than 50,000 meals over the next academic term. The funding will also support kitchen upgrades, training for staff and volunteers, and the launch of a pilot initiative to integrate student attendance and performance data to track the program’s broader impact.
From Courtside to Classroom Impact
Oweh’s involvement comes at a time when many high-profile athletes are using their platforms to make meaningful social impact. While some direct their efforts toward athletic programs or scholarships, Oweh has chosen a path that directly addresses child hunger, a crisis that affects over 9 million children in the U.S., according to USDA data.
“Otega’s gift is transformational,” said Martha Ikenna, the program’s regional director. “We’ve always dreamed of reaching more schools, but funding has been a major barrier. This donation unlocks real growth. It means more children will have food in their stomachs and the energy to learn, grow, and dream big.”
The donation also reflects Oweh’s upbringing and values. Born to Nigerian parents and raised in a working-class community, Oweh has spoken openly about the challenges his family faced and the role that school, sports, and community programs played in shaping his future.
“Basketball gave me a platform, but education gave me perspective,” Oweh said. “There are kids out there who could do incredible things if they’re just given a fair shot. That starts with basic things like food. Let’s give them that chance.”
Feeding Bodies and Minds
The Forest School Food Program operates on a simple but powerful principle: a hungry child cannot learn. It partners with local farms, food banks, and school staff to prepare and distribute meals that meet nutritional standards. Many of the participating schools also maintain small gardens, allowing students to learn about food sources, sustainability, and responsibility.
With the new funding, the program will enhance its farm-to-school model, investing in school garden expansions, irrigation systems, and educational workshops that teach students how to grow and cook their own food.
“It’s not just about feeding them for a day—it’s about planting seeds of knowledge that last a lifetime,” said Ikenna.
In a sports culture often dominated by stats and highlight reels, Oweh’s move stands out for its humility and long-term vision. Though the Kentucky guard has NBA aspirations, he says he remains grounded in the idea that impact matters more than fame.
“This isn’t about headlines,” he said. “This is about hope. I want people to remember me not just for what I did on the court, but what I tried to do off of it.”
Community Reactions
The response from the community has been overwhelming. Parents, educators, and fans alike have taken to social media to express admiration for Oweh’s action. One parent wrote on X (formerly Twitter), “My son goes to a Forest School partner school. He comes home full and focused now. Thank you, Otega. You’re a hero in ways a scoreboard can’t show.”
University of Kentucky head coach John Calipari also praised Oweh’s decision, saying:
“We talk a lot about character in this program. Otega’s leadership and heart are as impressive as his game. This is what being a Wildcat is all about.”
Looking Ahead
With this donation, the Forest School Food Program has set its sights on doubling its reach by 2026, and Oweh hopes to remain involved in its long-term development, potentially leading annual fundraising games or school visits to raise awareness.
“This is just the beginning,” Oweh said. “If we all give what we can—time, money, attention—we can make sure no kid goes to school hungry. That’s something worth fighting for.”
As the school year kicks off, thousands of children will enter classrooms with one less barrier between them and success. Thanks to Otega Oweh, their future looks a little brighter—and a lot fuller.
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