JBS, Iowa Select and Iowa Pork Provide Hot Meal for the Community of Marshalltown After Tornado Causes Devastation
posted on Monday, July 23, 2018
“It’s what we do as Iowans, we come together when communities need help,” said Wes Mathany, maintenance technician for Iowa Select Farms. “It was a crazy amount of food we grilled yesterday, and we were able to get it out to people who have lost power, their cars and even their homes.”
Wes was one of many Iowa Select Farms employees who volunteered their Sunday to help JBS Pork - Marshalltown, IA host a community cookout in Marshalltown. Iowa Pork also sent a team to pitch in.
The JBS plant was hit by the storm, but more significantly was their employees and the residents of the community. While JBS worked to rebuild their own operations, they took the time to help others who were without power and food.
The pork chops, burgers, hot dogs and brats cooked up in the YMCA parking lot drew a large crowd Sunday morning and afternoon. “Some of these families has lost everything, and seeing the devastation throughout Marshalltown was heartbreaking,” said Wes. “But they got a hot meal, which is something they didn’t have before.”
At least four teams of people also hand-delivered meals and water to families and volunteers working to clear debris and restore power. Miranda VanWinkle in production accounting and her husband teamed up with Tom Boge and his family to deliver food on an ATV.
“Some houses were hit pretty bad, then you’d look across the street and nothing was touched,” said Miranda. “We saw many people outside on roofs and in their yards cleaning up debris. Everyone appreciated the water and the lunch break of a warm meal.”
The teams received replies of “Thank yous,” “God Bless” and smiles and waves of appreciation as they worked through way up and down the streets. “Seeing the people’s faces light up when we delivered the food was enough to know these efforts matter,” said Miranda. “My husband and I felt lucky we able to help out.” #MarshalltownStrong
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