Iowa’s Pork Producers Kick Off Operation Christmas Meal on December 5 at the Iowa State Fairgrounds and travels to multiple Iowa communities handing out free pork loin to anyone.

Iowa Select Farms and Iowa’s pork producers are helping Iowans step into the holiday season with one of the state’s most anticipated annual traditions: Operation Christmas Meal. The event launches Friday, December 5, at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines, where volunteers will distribute free pork loins from 5–8 a.m. to anyone in need.

Now entering its 15th year, Operation Christmas Meal continues its mission of sharing the holiday spirit by ensuring families across Iowa have access to a nutritious, high-quality pork loin for their holiday celebrations. Over the span of six days, the program will deliver 27,000 pork loins across the state through a series of scheduled stops, making it one of Iowa’s largest community-focused food distribution efforts during the holiday season.

Operation Christmas Meal, supported by the Deb and Jeff Hansen Foundation and powered by Iowa’s pork industry, has grown into a statewide symbol of generosity. The program not only provides essential food assistance but also highlights the deep connection between pork producers and the communities they serve.

With rising need during the winter months, Iowa Select Farms and its partners continue to expand their outreach, ensuring Iowans from rural towns to urban centers have access to a holiday meal.

The full route, dates, and community stops for Operation Christmas Meal can be found on the Iowa Select Farms website. The organization encourages Iowans to attend, spread the word, and join in the celebration of giving this holiday season.