This week, the Minnesota Pork Board, along with Profinium Bank, donated 91,395 meals to Second Harvest Heartland, the Upper Midwest’s largest hunger relief organization. This donation reflects the continued partnership between these Minnesota-based organizations, working together to provide high-quality protein and hunger relief across the state and strengthen their communities.

The donation was presented by Olympic athletes Kassidy Cook and Sarah Bacon, the #CooknBacon duo, who have been active partners with Minnesota Pork in promoting pork as a nutritious source of protein on their social media platforms. They were joined by representatives from the Minnesota Pork Board and Profinium Bank at the event to highlight the importance of supporting local food banks and helping families in need across the state.

"We are so grateful for the Minnesota Pork Board’s ongoing partnership, but it's especially needed this year as neighbors deal with rising costs. Prices have gone up across the board – energy, housing, healthcare, childcare – and the more we’re paying for those pieces, the smaller our grocery budgets get," said Allison O'Toole, Second Harvest Heartland CEO. "With the holidays coming up, more neighbors are looking for help getting food on the table. Donations like this make it possible for Second Harvest Heartland to get the food people know and love—like pork—out to those in our community who need it."

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This donation aligns with the Minnesota Pork Board’s ongoing commitment to investing in people and communities, as part of its core mission. This year, funds were allocated from the organization’s community investment initiatives, including proceeds from the outreach event at the Minnesota State Fair, where duo #CooknBacon met with the public and t-shirt sales supported this donation.

In addition, the donation was also made possible through Profinium Bank’s unique and tailored giveback program, which supports local nonprofits committed to community vibrancy and sustainability in Minnesota. Each year, Profinium allocates funds to assist nonprofits in achieving their community-driven goals.

"I would like to thank Second Harvest Heartland for their work in feeding families in our communities and throughout the Midwest," said Todd Selvik, pig farmer and vice president of the Minnesota Pork Board of Directors. "I'm greatly appreciative of Profinium Bank for their generosity and the important work they do every day to help Minnesota's farmers. It’s also been a joy to partner with Kassidy and Sarah and have them amplify pork’s story.”

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“We’ve gotten a chance to meet some of the farmers and everyone has been so welcoming,” said Bacon.

“It feels great to know we are helping feed those in need with nutritious protein, especially during the holidays,” said Cook.

“Profinium is proud to partner with the Minnesota Pork Producers and help the fight against hunger by providing protein to the local food banks,” said Profinium Bank Vice President of Business Development, Veronica Bruckhoff.