Filling Tummies and Building Communities

Food symbolizes sustenance, community and life. It’s more than just a simple lunch or dinner—it matters how, where and with whom these nutrients are shared. And fighting hunger is more than filling tummies; it’s about building communities and empowering people. From what I have observed, the holistic healing of society begins with food.

Because of this, I am honored to participate in the fight against hunger through my role at Land O’Lakes, Inc. and our ongoing partnership with Feeding America. I am proud to work for a company that cares about making a difference and helping to feed human progress. Through my work, I’ve seen this purpose come to life so many times—but one project in particularly is close to my heart. It’s the Land O’Lakes Foundation’s First Run program, which donates truckloads of fresh product year round, made specifically for food banks to help alleviate hunger nationwide.

Often, I have the privilege of making that first call to the Feeding America member food bank receiving our donation. It usually sounds something like, “Hello? Yes, hi. I am calling from Land O’Lakes near St. Paul, Minnesota. My company would like to donate about 40,000 pounds of freshly made, low-fat, whole-grain macaroni and cheese to your food bank.”