BROOKLYN PARK, Minn. – Dec. 11, 2024 – The Minnesota Pork Board (MPB) 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.

Partners gathered at Second Harvest Heartland on December 10, 2024, to celebrate their collaborative partnership of serving Minnesota communities. Pictured from left: Mike Patterson, pig farmer and Minnesota Pork Board of Directors member; Jason DeRusha, WCCO radio host and Second Harvest Heartland Board of Directors member; Jill Resler, chief executive officer of the Minnesota Pork Producers Association; Sarah Bacon, Olympic medalist; Sydney Selvik, daughter of pig farmer Todd Selvik; Kassidy Cook, Olympic medalist; Allison O’Toole, chief executive officer of Second Harvest Heartland; Todd Selvik, pig farmer and vice president of the Minnesota Pork Board of Directors; and Veronica Bruckhoof, vice president of business development for Profinium Bank.

“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.”

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.”

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

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

“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.

The Minnesota Pork Board works on behalf of Minnesota’s more than 3,000 pig farming families to bring value to consumers through research, education, and promotion of pork. Promotions are created to encourage pork consumption; research answers questions facing Minnesota pig farmers; education helps pig farmers raise their animals and bring a safe and wholesome pork product to the marketplace. For more information, visit mnpork.com.

Profinium, Inc. is a locally owned, home-grown community bank believing in achieving dreams together by serving the communities of Fairmont, Truman, Mankato, and Owatonna. Profinium designs banking products and services so the ambitious and the busy can focus on making their amazing possible.

Profinium stands for “PROfessional FINancial Solutions for the Next MillenIUM (Profinium) and we believe in Achieving Dreams Together.  Our tag line “Amazing IS Possible” has been expanded to “YOUR amazing is possible.”  When you come to Profinium we focus on YOUR dreams and how to help YOU get there. Whatever “Amazing” is to you – it’s yours and we want to help make it happen got YOU. At Profinium, we pride ourselves on being there for farmers no matter what the season bring as we stand by you through thick and thin.

Second Harvest Heartland is a leading hunger-relief organization. In partnership with more than 1,100 food shelves and hunger-relief programs in Minnesota and western Wisconsin, we provided nearly 128 million meals to neighbors last year. We also help families enroll in food assistance and provide prepared meals for people who need more than groceries. Second Harvest Heartland is a leader, convener and voice in hunger-related policy discussions. Learn more at 2harvest.org.