Hundreds of Iowa organizations will have more to serve at their Veterans Day celebrations this year, thanks to Iowa Select Farms and the Deb & Jeff Hansen Foundation’s annual Pork for Patriots program.
On Friday, October 23, the Foundation and Iowa Select Farms distributed 8,960 pork loins and event supplies to 249 organizations in 169 Iowa communities across 83 counties. The supplies will help local organizations host Veterans Day celebrations and appreciation events recognizing the men and women who have served in the U.S. military.
The distribution took place at Valley Stadium in West Des Moines, where participating organizations picked up their supplies through a drive-through process. Volunteers from the community, Valley High School football team and Iowa Select team members loaded the pork loins and tableware supplies directly into vehicles, making it easy for organizations to collect what they need to bring people together and honor local veterans.
“Veterans Day is an opportunity to recognize the people who have served our country, but that appreciation means even more when communities come together to show it,” said Jeff Hansen, co-founder of Iowa Select Farms and the Deb & Jeff Hansen Foundation. “Through Pork for Patriots, we’re helping organizations across Iowa create opportunities to thank veterans, share a meal and let them know their service matters.”
Pork for Patriots continues to grow, reaching more organizations and communities across Iowa each year. In 2025, the program provided 6,396 pork loins to 214 organizations in 142 communities across 73 counties.
“I think it’s great what the Deb & Jeff Hansen Foundation does for the veterans all over the state,” says Craig Archer from Red Oak Elks Lodge in Red Oak, Iowa. “We have veterans that come through the Iowa Elks Foundation and we can feed 200-300 people with these pork loins.”
Feedback from this year’s participants showed the program’s impact extended beyond the meals themselves. More than 77% of surveyed organizations said the support would significantly enhance their existing programming, while 40 organizations reported they planned to host a brand-new event because of the program.
For many communities, these gatherings offer a low-cost opportunity to bring veterans, families and neighbors together in appreciation of those who have served.
The Pork for Patriots program is part of the ongoing work of Iowa Select Farms and the Deb & Jeff Hansen Foundation to support Iowa communities and recognize the people who make them stronger.
