Iowa Groups Get 8,960 Donated Pork Loins
Civic and veterans organizations across 83 Iowa counties can use the donated protein to host Veterans Day events at lower food cost.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Philanthropy
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Iowa Select Farms and the Deb & Jeff Hansen Foundation distributed 8,960 pork loins to 249 organizations across 169 Iowa communities on October 23 at Valley Stadium in West Des Moines. The supplies support Veterans Day celebrations and appreciation events, with organizations picking up their share through a drive-through process.
Why it matters
The distribution gives community groups across Iowa a donated protein supply to offset event food costs while they honor military service members. It continues a program that expanded from 6,396 pork loins to 214 organizations in 2025 to a larger, statewide network this year.
The program grew from 6,396 pork loins across 214 organizations in 73 counties in 2025 to 8,960 loins across 249 organizations in 83 counties this year. Forty organizations reported plans to host a new event because of the donation, and the Red Oak Elks Lodge said its share can feed 200 to 300 people.
The players
Iowa Select Farms
Iowa Select Farms is a pork producer and processor headquartered in Iowa, operating as a major supplier in the state's hog industry.
Deb & Jeff Hansen Foundation
The Deb & Jeff Hansen Foundation is a philanthropic organization that co-funds the pork loin donation program alongside Iowa Select Farms.
Valley High School football team
The Valley High School football team, based in West Des Moines, supplied volunteers who helped load supplies during the distribution.
The details
Organizations picked up their pork loins and tableware 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 items directly into vehicles. The donated product is shelf-stable enough to serve as a centerpiece for veterans' events, and organizations are using it for Veterans Day celebrations and appreciation gatherings honoring military service members.
Timeline
2025: Program provided 6,396 pork loins to 214 organizations.
October 23: Pork loins and supplies distributed at Valley Stadium in West Des Moines.
This year (2026): Organizations receive supplies for Veterans Day celebrations.
Market Landscape
The program builds on its 2025 distribution of 6,396 pork loins to 214 organizations and now reaches 249 organizations across 83 Iowa counties. Its growth reflects a corporate-foundation partnership model in which a state pork processor and a family foundation jointly supply protein to civic and veterans groups.
Civic, veterans, and community organizations planning food-based events should check whether donated protein programs are available in their area before budgeting. Operators in food service and event catering may see increased competition from donated-meal events in the near term.
The takeaway
Organizations planning Veterans Day or similar community events should inquire early with local civic groups and sponsoring foundations about donated food availability. Monitor whether the program's 2026 survey results confirm the 77% reported programming enhancement in future distributions.
Further reading
For more on how donors and foundations direct support to community causes, explore Philanthropy coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KJAN.
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