Annual Fundraiser to Combat Childhood Hunger Moves to U.S. Bank Stadium
Eden Prairie, MN (May 9, 2017) – The Minnesota Vikings, in partnership with Second Harvest Heartland and presenting sponsor Land O'Lakes, Inc. will host the annual Taste of the Vikings event at U.S. Bank Stadium from 6:30-10:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 14.
The strolling food and wine event, which features Minneapolis-St. Paul's finest dining establishments all offering signature dishes to raise awareness and funds to combat childhood hunger, moves to a new time and location in 2017 to accommodate more guests and increase attendance. Prominent Vikings players, coaches and alumni will once again sign autographs, take photos and serve spotlight dishes from the area's top restaurants.
"Our fight against childhood hunger requires a constant effort to improve the Taste of the Vikings in a way that increases funds and awareness for such a critical cause," said Vikings Chief Operating Officer Kevin Warren. "Hosting the event during the summer months at U.S. Bank Stadium brings renewed energy and vibrancy, and we hope our fans will join us in making a difference right here in our community. No child should ever go hungry."
Along with player appearances, fans will have a chance to bid on one-of-a-kind silent auction items that include unique experiences, art pieces from the artists featured at U.S. Bank Stadium, Vikings autographed merchandise and more. Memorabilia will be available for purchase
Tickets for the Taste of the Vikings cost $150 for Season Ticket Members and $175 for non-Season Ticket Members and are available at vikings.com/taste. Funds will be directed toward Second Harvest Heartland's child hunger initiative, which includes support of the USDA's Summer Food Service Program (SFSP). This helps fill the meal gap during the summer months for the approximately 40% of the K-12 students in Minnesota who rely on free or reduced-price meals during the school year. In 2016 alone, more than 3 million meals were provided to kids at 874 sites (schools, parks, community centers) throughout Minnesota during the summer months. The price of one ticket to the Taste of the Vikings can provide 525 meals for Minnesota children in need.
"Thanks to the tremendous support from the Vikings leadership, players and fans, the Taste of the Vikings raises critical funds that help support Second Harvest Heartland's child hunger relief efforts," said Second Harvest Heartland CEO Rob Zeaske. "Together with the Vikings generosity, we are able to provide more meals to more local kids in need. These programs make a significant difference in the lives of kids who might otherwise go hungry when their families are struggling."
"As a farmer-owned cooperative, Land O'Lakes is committed to helping people who struggle to put food on their table," said Land O'Lakes Foundation Executive Director Lydia Botham. "The Taste of the Vikings is a great event that helps us support those in need."
The following restaurants are scheduled to appear in 2017 (more to be added):
• 4 Bells
• Aramark
• Big Bowl
• BLVD
• Hy-Vee
• JD Hoyt's
• Lake Elmo Inn
• Lord Fletchers
• McKinney Roe
• Mercury Dining Room and Rail
• Mercy
• The Oceanaire Seafood Room
• Rustica
• Wildfire
About Taste of the NFL
Taste of the NFL is a 501(c)(3) dedicated to raising awareness and funds for hunger relief organizations in the 32 NFL cities and across the country. Proudly Coming Home to Minnesota & celebrating its 27th anniversary, the organization conducts national and local fundraising events throughout the year, culminating in the annual Party with a Purpose on Super Bowl Eve. Since its inception at the 1992 Minnesota Super Bowl, Taste of the NFL has raised more than $25 million, which has provided over 200 million meals for Americans. 100% of proceeds raised go directly to supporting food banks in each of the 32 NFL cities.
About Second Harvest Heartland
Second Harvest Heartland is one of the nation's largest, most efficient and most innovative hunger relief organizations. Second Harvest Heartland provides an average of 75 percent of all food distributed by its food shelf partners, and in 2016, provided more than 80 million meals to nearly 1,000 food shelves, pantries and other partner programs serving 59 counties in Minnesota and western Wisconsin. Second Harvest Heartland leads through innovation, finding efficient, effective solutions to connect the full resources of our community with our hungry neighbors. For more information, visit **2harvest.org* or call 651.484.5117. *
About Land O'Lakes
Land O'Lakes, Inc., one of America's premier agribusiness and food companies, is a member-owned cooperative with industry-leading operations that span the spectrum from agricultural production to consumer foods. With 2016 annual sales of $13 billion, Land O'Lakes is one of the nation's largest cooperatives, ranking 215 on the Fortune 500. Building on a legacy of more than 95 years of operation, Land O'Lakes today operates some of the most respected brands in agribusiness and food production including LAND O LAKES® Dairy Foods, Purina Animal Nutrition, WinField® United and Land O'Lakes SUSTAINTM. The company does business in all 50 states and more than 60 countries. Land O'Lakes, Inc. corporate headquarters are located in Arden Hills, Minn.
