Hormel Foods Sponsors ‘Nourishing Champions’ Food-Packing Event with Austin High School

In keeping with its commitment to improve food security in its hometown of Austin, Minnesota, Hormel Foods today partnered with the United Way of Mower County and The Hometown Food Security Project to sponsor the “Nourishing Champions” food-packing event at Austin High School. More than 1,500 ninth- through 12th-grade students assembled 24,000 MATTERbox Snack Packs, equating to 9,000 pounds of food. Hormel Foods engaged MATTER, a Minnesota-based nonprofit organization, to supply the snack pack contents and support event logistics.

“For decades, Hormel Foods has been committed to making a meaningful difference in our communities with a strong focus on addressing food insecurity,” said Jim Snee, chairman of the board, president and chief executive officer at Hormel Foods. “This event is a continuation of that work, connecting the issues of education and food security, and showcasing how they can intersect to address critical community issues. We believe in the importance of giving back and are proud to play a role in bringing communities together for such a critical cause.”

In addition to helping nourish Austin High School students participating in sports and other after-school activities, the assembled MATTERbox Snack Packs will help fill the school’s food pantry and will be donated to various other county schools. Hometown Food Security Project and the United Way of Mower County will also distribute a portion of the snack packs to local food shelves.

“I’m proud of our students for coming together during Homecoming week to pack MATTERbox Snack Packs, providing support for their peers beyond the classroom,” said Dr. Joey Page, Austin Public Schools superintendent. “This initiative provides essential nutrition and helped foster a spirit of community and volunteerism among our students. We’re thankful for the opportunity to work together and make a positive impact.”

As part of its global impact strategy and ongoing commitment to give back, Hormel Foods contributed $12.5 million in monetary and product donations in 2023 to uplift communities, including $10 million dedicated to food-security efforts, equivalent to 9.2 million individual meals.* The Nourishing Champions packing event contributes to the company’s 20 By 30 Challenge goals of delivering 70 million meals and creating a food-secure community program by 2030.

“This was an amazing event that helped our students understand the importance of giving back to others and gained an understanding of food-security efforts,” said Emily Hovland, Austin High School student council advisor. “Our students were beyond excited to participate in the Nourishing Champions event that will directly impact our community.”

This event follows the successful “A Work of Art” collaboration in the spring, which brought together community leaders and students to foster awareness of and meaningful discussions about solutions to food insecurity.

“These students are our future leaders, entrepreneurs and colleagues,” Snee added. “It’s important that they are part of our journey toward building a stronger, food-secure community. Through these opportunities, they’re making a real, lasting impact.”

*Using the Feeding America estimation of $1 donated = 10 meals and 1.2 pounds donated = one meal.