Nick McCann co-founded Mission Meats in 2015, wanting to make more than just delicious jerky—he wanted to make a difference. Since the beginning, he and his founding partner have prioritized helping nonprofits. That’s why they donate 10% of their profits to charitable causes near and dear to them.
Nick was connected to the food bank when he moved the business from Iowa to Michigan. He’d always hated how much meat was wasted when they cut their jerky sticks to size, so he was excited when he learned he could donate these perfectly good “stick ends” to Feeding America West Michigan!
While Nick loves to eat the “stick ends” at home, they can’t be sold normally. At the food bank, however, they’re put to good use. Once packaged, they’re an ideal snack for our backpack program partners to add to weekend or evening meal bags for kids in need.
Mission Meats also donates perfectly good jerky sticks that are nearing expiration to the food bank, where they’re quickly distributed.
Terri—who runs a program that provides weekend meals for kids in Muskegon—shared: “The meat sticks are a great protein. They’re easy for the kids to toss in a pocket and have a healthy snack that does not get smashed. Another bonus is they actually like them!”
Nick’s passion for helping others in part stems from his own experience with food insecurity growing up. During that time, he recalls feeling different and at times ashamed, but as an adult, he’s realized how widespread and normal of a challenge this is. When volunteering in hunger-relief efforts at his church in Lansing, he was surprised by the number of familiar faces he saw come through the line.
“I might not need the food bank now,” he said, “but I have needed it in the past, and I might need it again someday. You never know when you’re going to be the guy or gal having a hard time.”
This resonates with Troy, a Mission Meats staff member, who also grew up receiving help with food.
“Maybe it’s not me that needs help, maybe I’ll never go again to those places to get that help, but there’s plenty of people who do need it, and it’s awesome to contribute something to help them,” he said.
Many customers of Mission Meats love purchasing from them because of their commitment to doing as much good as possible in the world.
This goodness shows through the donations Mission Meats provides to the food bank and, ultimately, to the kids in need. Thanks to the help of food donors like them, the fight to end hunger can continue across West Michigan and the Upper Peninsula!
We are thankful for partners like Mission Meats, who help Feeding America West Michigan support families in need.