Former Aggie linebacker provides meals to local kids

Former Aggie linebacker Kyle Fackrell and his wife, Elizabeth, teamed with Pauni Island Grill to provide over 1,600 free meals to Cache Valleykids.

PHOTO COURTESY OF Pauni Island Grill

By Jacob Nielson, Sports Staff Writer

Just days after the former Aggie signed with the New York Giants, linebacker Kyler Fackrell and his wife, Elizabeth, teamed up with the Pauni Island Grill in Logan to provide free hot meals to children in the community during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Over a five day span from March 19-23, the restaurant on 400 N gave out over 1,600 free meals — consisting of an entree, rice, and roasted veggies — to kids in Cache Valley.

With schools shutting down and the knowledge that many families rely on the school lunch program for their children, the two former Aggies wanted to help out, according to Spencer Pauni — whose wife is Elizabeth’s sister. And Spencer’s mom, Seneti, owns the family-run Pauni Island Grill.

Kiera Greene, of Logan, said her family members were grateful recipients of the free meals.

“As a mother of four, this opportunity for a hot meal with protein for my kids was such a relief,” she said. “Not only did it help with the budget, but it helped bring a smile back to my kid’s faces during this hard time.”

Jennifer Bryner, another Logan resident, was also grateful for the service provided.

“I know of many families who were helped immensely by the free kids lunches, ourselves included,” she said. “It was such a comfort to our family to know we had the meal from Pauni Island Grill to help us get by.”

Spencer said Kyler loved his time in Cache Valley and was excited for an opportunity to help the community.

“This is where he met his wife. He was able to perform and put Utah State on the map,” Pauni said. “He did a lot for Utah State, and Utah State did a lot for him. I think it was a connection and a good relationship that they had.”

Bryner hoped the example the Fackrell and Pauni families set would spread through the community of Logan.

"It makes our hearts and minds feel more at ease, knowing we havetheir family in our community,” she said. “It’s people like them,and following their example, that help us feel like we can all get through this by helping each other.”

Not only did the service help the Paunis give back to the community they love, it has also given the business some exposure, according to Spencer.

"There's actually a lot of people here in the valley that don’t even know we exist and never tried our food before,” he said, “and so this is kind of opening up marketing for us, opening the eyes of the valley to letting them know that we’re here.”

—jacob.nielson12@yahoo.com

@jacobnielson12