Iowa Select Farms Donates 8,960 Pork Loins
Pork loins and supplies went to 249 organizations across 169 Iowa communities ahead of Veterans Day events.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Philanthropy
Live Poll
Do you think local charitable programs meaningfully support veterans in your community?
Iowa Select Farms and the Deb & Jeff Hansen Foundation distributed 8,960 pork loins to 249 organizations at Valley Stadium in West Des Moines on October 23. Organizations will use the supplies to host Veterans Day celebrations and appreciation events.
Why it matters
The program gives community groups food for public events honoring military service members across the state. Organizations reported the donation would meaningfully expand their existing programming.
The program distributed 8,960 pork loins this year, up from 6,396 in 2025, with 40 organizations reporting plans to host an entirely new event. The source does not disclose the program's total cost or budget.
The players
Iowa Select Farms
Iowa Select Farms is a pork producer based in Iowa that co-sponsored the donation program.
Deb & Jeff Hansen Foundation
The Deb & Jeff Hansen Foundation is a charitable foundation that co-sponsored the pork loin distribution.
The details
Organizations picked up supplies through a drive-through process at Valley Stadium, where volunteers from the community, the Valley High School football team, and Iowa Select team members loaded pork loins and tableware into vehicles. The Red Oak Elks Lodge, one recipient, said the loins can feed 200 to 300 people.
Timeline
October 23: Pork loins and supplies distributed at Valley Stadium in West Des Moines.
2025: Program provided 6,396 pork loins to 214 organizations in 142 communities.
Season Trajectory
The 2026 distribution grew from the 2025 program, which supplied 6,396 pork loins to 214 organizations, signaling expansion in its second year. Organizations reporting new event plans suggest the donations are changing what local groups offer, not just supplementing existing events.
Iowa organizations planning Veterans Day events can request similar donated supplies if they are part of this program's network. Residents attending these events should expect food service at the host organizations' locations.
The takeaway
Community donations of this scale depend on coordination among producers, foundations, volunteers, and local organizations. Watching whether the program grows again next year will show whether the approach is sustainable.
Further reading
Explore more Philanthropy coverage to see how charitable giving programs like this one are reshaping community events.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KJAN.
Live Poll
Do you think local charitable programs meaningfully support veterans in your community?
