NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) – A Nashville high school football player collapsed at practice Wednesday. He told his coach at Stratford High School that he hadn’t eaten that day.

You may be surprised that many Metro student athletes who rely on free meals during the school year go to practice hungry.

“It breaks your heart,” said Stratford High School football coach Maurice Fitzgerald. “We have to make sure they eat and hydrate because a lot of times they don’t eat.”

Jobs for Tennessee Graduates is trying to help. The group helps at-risk youth become college and career ready.

So far, the they have convinced local businesses, the Tennessee Titans and Nashville Predators to donate sports drinks, protein bars and footballs.

“They don’t even have footballs for goodness sake,” said Jobs for Tennessee Graduates President John Dwyer. “It’s important that these high school programs have the basic needs and that the students understand there is goodness all around them.”

For anyone wanting to help, there will be a charity drive Saturday at Stratford High School from 12 p.m. to 2.p.m.

Attendees are encouraged to bring sports drinks, protein bars or anything else high school football players could use.

Donations can also be made at www.jobsfortngrads.org.