One thousand Iowans on the frontlines of the COVID-19 crisis will be receiving pork care packages thanks to Iowa Select Farms and the Deb and Jeff Hansen Foundation. The program, called Helping the Helpers, is seeking nominations for Iowans helping their communities during the global pandemic.

"Over the years we've tried to do our part to help communities when and where they need it the most," says Jen Sorenson, Iowa Select Farms communications director. "What we've come to find is that we are able to rebuild ourselves—oftentimes stronger than before—because there are people who care. Iowans from all walks of life, not just nurses and doctors, are stepping up to help right now and we want to recognize their efforts."

When faced with a challenge, Iowa farmers gather our friends, our neighbors, our families—we lock arms, we organize, and we get to work helping in whatever way is needed. It's in our DNA. With Helping the Helpers, the Deb and Jeff Hansen Foundation will provide care for the caregivers, who are bravely doing what is in their DNA.

"When I heard about the new Helping the Helpers program, I nominated my mother-in-law who belongs to DMORT (Disaster Mortuary Operational Response Team) and was deployed to New York City for three weeks," says Carl Ott, Environmental Services manager at Iowa Select Farms. "She acted as a safety officer, enforcing clean/dirty lines and biosecurity protocols. Her team helped families find closure during a really tough time."

Kristi Jenkins, a sow farm manager with Iowa Select Farms, submitted a Helping the Helpers nomination for her childcare provider, Deana. "Prior to Covid-19, Deana regularly cared for two of my kids but now with schools closed, she watches after all four so that me and my husband, who farms, can continue to work," says Jenkins. "In addition to watching them all day, she makes sure they do their online learning, reading time and helps with school. We would definitely be struggling if it wasn't for her."

Employees of Iowa Select Farms will safely assemble and mail out the 1,000 Helping the Helpers care packages as nominations are received. Each pork care package contains 25 protein-packed pork sticks and a thank you note. Heartwarming stories of Helping the Helpers nominations will be shared on the Iowa Select Farms Facebook page and featured on the company blog. 

Founded in 2006, the Deb and Jeff Hansen Foundation facilitates programs throughout Iowa focused on providing hunger relief, showing gratitude to members of the Armed Services, and supporting families impacted by childhood cancer. Jeff and Deb Hansen are the owners of Iowa Select Farms, a privately-owned, Iowa-based pork production company with 1,850 employees and contractors.

Source: Iowa Select Farms, which is solely responsible for the information provided, and wholly owns the information. Informa Business Media and all its subsidiaries are not responsible for any of the content contained in this information asset.