Nearly 34 million people face food insecurity across the U.S., according to Feeding America. That is more than the entire populations of Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, North and South Dakota, Nebraska and Illinois combined. Land O’Lakes, Inc. is committed to doing what we can each year to combat hunger in the communities where our employees and members live and work—one way we approach this is through our First Run program.
First Run was launched in 2010 as a way to partner with Feeding America on hunger relief efforts nationwide. The program is committed to donating truckloads of dairy foods product year-round, primarily Land O’Lakes macaroni and cheese, to support food banks with freshly made meals for families in need. Since First Run began, over 6.7 million pounds of product have been donated, with 258,000 pounds this year alone.
In 2022, First Run made a difference in seven different states from Wyoming to Florida. Through collaborative philanthropy, our macaroni and cheese donations were amplified by the generosity of Land O’Lakes members, employees and partners  who gave their time and resources to the selected food banks. This year’s donations include:

May—Mid-South Food Bank, Memphis, Tennessee

A WinField United joint venture, GreenPoint Ag, attended the donation and made a financial contribution. WinField Regional Sales Director Sam Pace was present on behalf of Land O’Lakes.

June—Gleaners Food Bank, Indianapolis, Indiana

July—Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida

October—Freestore Food Bank, Cincinnati, Ohio

 

October—Kansas Food Bank, Wichita, Kansas

In partnership with Land O’Lakes, Class A member Mid Kansas Coop made a financial contribution to the food bank with Brad Stedman, MKC president and CEO in attendance.

November—Wichita Falls Area Food Bank, Wichita Falls, Texas

We look forward to working with more Land O’Lakes members, employees and partners to continue helping our communities in 2023. ​​​​​​​