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Company partners with Hometown Food Security Project, community organizations to provide more than 90,000 meals to local families this holiday season 

 

As part of its ongoing efforts to improve food security in Mower County, Hormel Foods is making the holiday season brighter for area residents including its hometown of Austin. 

Hormel is partnering with the Hometown Food Security Project and community organizations to host a community-wide turkey donation event called the “Hometown Turkey Takeover” at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 16 until supplies last at the Mower County Fairgrounds (700 12th St. SW).

Community members and neighbors can receive a free frozen Jennie-O turkey, offering households access to high-quality protein for their holiday meals.

“During our Hometown Turkey Takeover event, we’re delighted to give back to our community by offering a free Jennie-O turkey to anyone who could use one,” said Jeff Baker, group vice president of Retail Marketing for Hormel Foods. “Giving back is a big part of who we are, and we look forward to bringing the community together to share in the spirit of the holidays.” 

Residents attending the drive-through event should enter through the south gate of the fairgrounds, where volunteers will direct them to the pick-up area and load turkeys directly into their vehicles. Turkeys are available on a first-come, first-served basis, with a limit of one per household. No ID or pre-registration is required.

More than 200 volunteers are needed to support the Hometown Turkey Takeover. To volunteer for this event visit: https://bit.ly/hometownturkey. All volunteers will receive a free turkey. 

Hormel anticipates giving away 3,500 turkeys during the event and donating an additional 1,500 turkeys to Mower County organizations committed to reducing food insecurity. 

This initiative aligns with the company’s 20 By 30 Challenge goals to provide the equivalent of 70 million meals by 2030 to those in need, and to create a food secure community program through cash and product donations. Through the Hometown Food Security Project, the company is working to reduce Mower County’s food insecurity rate and to share a best practices playbook for addressing food insecurity with communities around the country.

“The vision of the Hometown Food Security Project is that ‘no one goes hungry in Mower County,’” said Gema Alvarado-Guerrero, co-leader for Hometown Food Security Project and workforce wellness facilitator at Hormel Foods. “This is especially true during the holiday season. This event is an opportunity where we can step up to make a meaningful difference in our community to address food insecurity.” 

To learn more about the Hometown Turkey Takeover event or to volunteer, please visit: https://hometownfoodsecurity.org/hometown-turkey-takeover/.