DES MOINES, Iowa — Tuesday is Giving Tuesday, a day to spread kindness and do good for others this holiday season.
That giving spirit is one reason why several Iowa organizations came together to offer a free holiday meal on Tuesday morning.
Central Iowa Shelter & Services, partnering with Fareway Stores and the Iowa Pork Producers Association, put on the 7th Annual Lend a Ham event.
From 6 a.m. to 8 a.m., guests of CISS, many of whom are adults experiencing homelessness, were served a hot breakfast meal.
In addition to feeding clients of CISS, the Lend a Ham meal is typically attended by elected officials like Gov. Kim Reynolds and Iowa Agriculture Secretary Mike Naig, as well as community leaders.
Those leaders had the chance to engage with CISS guests and speak with them about how the agency and its work make an impact in their lives.
CISS Community Engagement Director Tommy Ross said an event like Tuesday's, especially during the holiday season, means a lot to CISS guests.
"While some of us celebrate, the holidays are a tough time for a lot of folks. We see mental health incidences rise unfortunately in the holiday season,” Ross said. “So, for them to see a ton of folks from the community gather, elected officials, our team, community members who come out and serve and treat them well, it really fills their tank."
Ross said they expected to serve between 300-350 meals, thanks to donations from Fareway and the Iowa Pork Producers Association.
"We’re growing food for the country, for the state and it’s a good thing to help out," said Iowa Pork Producers Board Director Doug Gruver. "It’s always a good thing to give back to others.”
The meal included breakfast burritos, bacon, scrambled eggs, fresh fruit and pastries.
Fareway leaders said opportunities to give back to the community are important to them.
“It’s a feel-good opportunity that’s just amazing and we’re really proud to be part of it,” said Jeff Cook, vice president of Market Operations at Fareway.