Rockford Teen Artist Spreads Hope Amid Food Struggles During Government Shutdown

Rockford, IL — November 2, 2025

As the first day of November arrived, many families across Rockford found themselves struggling to put food on the table due to the ongoing government shutdown and SNAP benefit delays. But while despair filled the air for some, one local teen turned compassion into action.

Sixteen-year-old Rodney, artist and CEO of ETF Entertainment LLC, stepped up in a big way — teaming up with Breaking Generational Curses Academy (BGCA) and Pizza Hut to deliver boxes of hot pizza to the homeless and families in need throughout Rockford.

Rodney, alongside other BGCA youth volunteers, spent the day walking through neighborhoods and community areas handing out meals, smiles, and flyers for the organization’s upcoming “Special Christmas for Me” Family Christmas Sponsorship event — an annual initiative designed to bless local families with food, gifts, and decorations for the holidays.

“We just wanted to do something good for our city,” Rodney shared. “A lot of people are hurting right now, and even something small like a hot meal can make someone feel seen and cared about.”

BGCA’s “Special Christmas for Me” program continues the nonprofit’s mission of breaking generational curses by building stronger, more united communities. Through partnerships with local businesses like Pizza Hut and ETF Entertainment, BGCA empowers youth to serve, lead, and give back — proving that compassion and community can rise even in hard times.

To learn more about BGCA’s initiatives or to donate toward the upcoming Christmas sponsorship, visit www.etfent.com or follow @etf_entertainment_llc on social media.