'Modern Family' star Eric Stonestreet donates 200K meals to Kansas City food bank amid coronavirus pandemic

Suzy Byrne
·Editor, Yahoo Entertainment
Updated ·4 min read

Eric Stonestreet is giving back to his hometown, Kansas City, amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The Modern Family star, 48, announced he will be giving 200,000 meals to Harvesters — The Community Food Network, which feeds those in need in both Missouri and Kansas. He said he and his girlfriend, Lindsay Schweitzer, who is a pediatric nurse, “love our hometown and want to help do whatever we can.”

Stonestreet, who was born in Kansas City, Kan., said he was only publicizing his act of kindness, of giving more than $66,000, to inspire others to do what they can “to help vulnerable families in our community” right now.

Stonestreet and Schweitzer began dating in 2017 after meeting during the Big Slick charity weekend in Kansas City. He has said she complements his personality, explaining, “She calms me — she calms my nerves. I’m a very high-strung person.”

While Stonestreet makes his hit ABC show, now in its final season (he’s Cam), and other projects (Secret Life of Pets) in Hollywood, his Kansas City roots have only grown deeper. Last year, he became a part owner in the Kansas City Royals after being a longtime fan.

KANSAS CITY, MO - JUNE 23: Eric Stonestreet gives a thumbs up after catching the first pitch during the Big Slick Celebrity Weekend benefitting Children's Mercy Hospital of Kansas City on June 23, 2017 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Kyle Rivas/Getty Images)
Eric Stonestreet during the Big Slick Celebrity Weekend benefitting Children's Mercy Hospital of Kansas City on June 23, 2017. (Photo: Kyle Rivas/Getty Images)

At the time he gushed, “It’s no secret how passionate I am about Kansas City.”

Stonestreet’s Modern Family hubby, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, applauded him for his generous act.

Ferguson also sent a “huge ‘virtual hug’ to all those who are still working right now,” citing those in the medical profession, pharmacists, grocery store workers and postal carriers.

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A post shared by Jesse Tyler Ferguson (@jessetyler) on

Ferguson’s on-screen Julie Bowen urged her followers to donate to Feeding America.

Meanwhile, co-star Sarah Hyland opened up about why the coronavirus is especially dangerous for her, having had two organ transplants. She is only leaving home for doctors appointments — and wears a glove and a mask to those.

Celebrities are giving back in many ways amid the coronavirus pandemic, which has medical professionals stretched thin and many people at home in isolation to “flatten the curve.” That has left many unable to work — and pay their bills — and many children at home and unable to get the additional resources many schools offer, including free meals.

In addition to Stonestreet’s big donation, Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds gave $1 million to Feeding America and Food Banks Canada. Ciara and Russell Wilson donated 1 million meals to a Seattle Food Bank.

For the latest news on the evolving coronavirus outbreak, follow along here. According to experts, people over 60 and those who are immunocompromised continue to be the most at risk. If you have questions, please reference the CDC and WHO’s resource guides.

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