For the first time in its 15-year history, Operation Christmas Meal is coming to Keosauqua, offering free pork loins to help local families celebrate the holiday season. The event will take place Friday, December 12th, from 9–10 a.m. at the Van Buren County Fairgrounds, located at 20493 Highway 1.
Operation Christmas Meal, an annual statewide effort organized by the Deb and Jeff Hansen Foundation in partnership with Iowa Select Farms, was created to ensure that Iowans in need can enjoy a wholesome Christmas meal. This year, the program will distribute 27,000 pork loins over six days at stops across Iowa, including 16 community giveaway events.
“We believe everyone deserves a good meal, especially at Christmastime,” the foundation said in its announcement. Volunteers from Iowa Select Farms will be on hand in Keosauqua to personally deliver pork loins directly to community members through a convenient drive-through format.
While the event is designed to assist families facing financial hardship, organizers also encourage participation from those wishing to pay the generosity forward. Iowans who do not need assistance themselves are invited to pick up a pork loin and pass it along to someone who does—whether a neighbor, a single parent, a senior citizen, or anyone facing a difficult holiday season.
Residents wishing to learn more, or find additional stop locations for the 2025 Operation Christmas Meal tour, can visit the foundation’s website: https://www.iowaselect.com/foun…/operation-christmas-meal/
With Keosauqua now added to the list of communities served, organizers hope the program will bring holiday comfort and kindness to even more Iowans this Christmas season.
Photograph courtesy of Iowa Select Farms.
