Jamal Crawford donates 100,000 meals to local food banks amid coronavirus pandemic

SEATTLE — Seattle native and 19-year NBA veteran Jamal Crawford is helping feed those in need during the coronavirus pandemic.

Crawford has donated to Seattle’s Food Lifeline to help provide more than 100,000 meals.

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Food Lifeline is an organization that aims to feed hungry people by providing food to more than 300 food banks, shelters, and meal program in Western Washington.

“Thank you (Jamal Crawford) for your recent donation to Food Lifeline and for continuing to keep your Seattle neighbors close to your heart as your 19-year NBA career has taken you all over the country,” a spokesperson for Food Lifeline said on Twitter. “Your donation will feed over 100,000 meals. We are thankful and proud of you.”

The donation comes as more and more people continue to struggle during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

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Food Lifeline is an essential business that has stayed open during Gov. Jay Inslee’s stay-at-home order, but officials said resources have declined while demands to feed the hungry have risen.

Crawford is the latest Seattle sports star to donate to the local organization. Last month, Russell Wilson and Ciara donated to Food Lifeline to help provide a million meals.

Crawford is a staple in the Seattle sports community and has run the ‘Crawsover’ Pro-Am basketball league for years. Each summer, Crawford helps bring current and former NBA, college and professional basketball players to Seattle Pacific University’s Royal Brougham Pavilion to play for free in front of fans.

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Crawford led Rainier Beach High School to a state title in 1998 and went on to play for the University of Michigan for one season. Crawford was selected eighth overall in the 2000 NBA draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers, who immediately traded him to the Chicago Bulls.

In 19 NBA Seasons, Crawford has played for the Bulls, New York Knicks, Golden State Warriors, Atlanta Hawks, Portland Trail Blazers, L.A. Clippers, Minnesota Timberwolves and the Phoenix Suns.

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