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Communities are built through care, commitment, and people who show up for one another.

At Versova, that community-focused belief runs deep. It’s rooted in the values of the families who started this company. It is carried forward by the teams who continue. We know our success is tied to the support of the communities around us. We feel a responsibility to not only be part of the community, but to invest in strengthening it.

The Versova Community Foundation (VCF), established in 2023, was created with that purpose in mind. It’s a reflection of who we are: A company committed to giving back in meaningful, intentional ways and supporting organizations that have the expertise to have the biggest impacts in the communities where we live and work.

The four philanthropic pillars

At the heart of the foundation are four philanthropic pillars that guide our approach to giving. Each one reflects a different, but equally important, part of what it means to build and sustain strong communities.

Hunger relief

As a food producer, Versova understands that access to nutritious food is not something to take for granted. For millions of Americans, access is not guaranteed. In rural communities especially, families often face difficult choices of stretching groceries, skipping meals, and wondering how they will provide for their children. According to Feeding America, hunger is more common in rural areas, where 9 out of 10 counties face the highest food insecurity rates.

Eggs provide a simple yet powerful source of complete protein. Packed with nutrients, eggs are a sustaining addition to meals, offering needed nourishment across all phases of life. Whether it is a first food for a baby, an ingredient in a milestone birthday cake, or a filling breakfast to start the day, eggs are a reliable choice for families.

Through the foundation, Versova provides both financial support and ongoing egg donations to hunger relief organizations across the country, in addition to employee volunteer events. That impact comes to life through:

• Meals served at local food pantries

• Breakfasts shared in school cafeterias

• Backpacks filled for students to take home

• Donations to the Sioux Center Sack Pack program

• Millions of eggs distributed to communities in need

It’s not just about feeding people, it’s about caring for them. A recent example of this work was our participation in the Great American Egg Drive, in partnership with the American Egg Board. Through this collaboration, Versova donated 208,800 eggs to Food Bank of Iowa ahead of the Easter and Passover holidays. This donation was part of a nationwide effort by American egg producers to have an impact across the United States. In total, more than 10 million eggs were donated.

In Iowa, Versova has joined other egg producers statewide to donate eggs monthly through Iowa Egg Council’s Cracking Hunger program. Versova donates more than 86,000 eggs each month to the effort.

Versova’s farms in Ohio have a long partnership with the state’s hunger relief providers, working in collaboration with Ohio’s egg producers and the Ohio Poultry Association. Our farms donate more than 2,000 dozen eggs per month to food banks and local pantries.

In Washington and Oregon, our farms donate more than 12,000 dozen eggs annually to local hunger relief efforts, including donations to food banks and pantries in both states.

First responders

In rural communities, first responders are often neighbors, friends, and familiar faces who show up in life’s most critical moments. When every second counts, their ability to respond quickly and effectively can make the difference to save lives and protect the things people care about most.

Recognizing their critical role in the community, the VCF provides financial support to fire departments, Emergency Medical Service (EMS) teams, and public safety organizations. These contributions help ensure first responders have the resources needed to protect and serve their communities. Recent support has reached dozens of fire and EMS departments, helping ensure they are equipped and ready when their communities need them most.

Among our teams, we are fortunate to have volunteer safety team members who are trained emergency medical technicians (EMT) and volunteer firefighters.

First responders do more than answer calls. They protect families, safeguard communities, and bring calm to situations.

Youth in agriculture

Agriculture is built on resilience, dedication, and a deep connection to something bigger than yourself. It’s early mornings, long days, and a commitment to showing up, no matter what, to ensure people have food on their tables.

Through organizations like 4-H and FFA, young people are given the opportunity to experience that firsthand. Some come from agricultural backgrounds, while others are introduced to it for the very first time, but all gain a deeper understanding of where their food comes from and the people who make it possible.

By supporting 4-H and FFA, the foundation helps create opportunities for young people to develop skills, build confidence, and explore careers in agriculture, strengthening the future of the industry and communities. One study shows that compared to their peers, 4-H’ers are three times more likely to participate in community service. The FFA Annual Report states that 90% of survey respondents believe that attending FFA events has a positive impact on their career success.

“We are directly involved in shaping future leaders and community members,” says Emily Battilega, director of sustainability and former Oregon FFA board member. “My passion for poultry stems from my involvement in FFA, and I am proud to work for a company that supports students and introduces them to this industry.”

Investing in the next generation is key. Supporting youth in agriculture isn’t just about education, it’s about preserving an appreciation for the people who feed our communities and inspiring the next generation to carry that responsibility forward.

Mental health

Mental health challenges can affect anyone, often in ways that aren’t immediately seen or understood. And in many communities, access to care, resources, and support can be limited. A report from the American Farm Bureau Federation shows that 52% of rural adults and 61% of farmers/farm workers are experiencing stress and mental health challenges, and they are seeking care because of increased stress.

The mental health pillar is deeply personal. A tragic loss within the Versova family reinforced the importance of mental health awareness and the reality that no one should have to face those challenges alone. The foundation is committed to supporting organizations that are on the front lines of this work, building networks of care, providing resources, and creating lifelines for individuals and families in need.

This pillar in particular aligns with our goal to support organizations with the expertise and resources to uplift the people who need it most.

A tradition of giving: The Center Fresh Group Golf Outing

One of the foundation’s most impactful initiatives is the annual Center Fresh Group Golf Outing, which began in 2014 with a modest goal of raising $20,000 each year. Over time, the event has grown significantly and now serves as the VCF’s primary fundraiser and a cornerstone of our philanthropic efforts.

The event brings together participants from across the Versova network, creating a shared opportunity to give back while strengthening relationships.

“When we started this golf outing, the goal was simple: Raise a little money and give back where we could,” says Jim Dean, president of Versova and the Versova Community Foundation board. “Today, it’s grown into a major fundraising event that is surpassing one million dollars in total impact this year. That kind of growth doesn’t happen without an incredible community behind it.”

Over the years, the focus of the Center Fresh Golf Outing has evolved to meet pressing needs within the community. Proceeds directly support the foundation’s mission, funding a wide range of nonprofit organizations aligned with the four pillars.

In 2023, the outing raised $114,000, which was donated to the Promise Community Health Center for a new mental health wing.

In 2024, $160,000 was raised and donated to local first responders, helping ensure fire and EMS teams had the resources needed to protect and serve their communities.

In 2025, the outing raised more than $205,000. Proceeds supported numerous organizations across all four philanthropic pillars. Donations were made to:

• Seven state FFA organizations

• 29 local FFA chapters

• 30 local fire and EMS sites

• Two mental health centers in Iowa

• Multiple hunger relief organizations

In 2026, the proceeds raised will focus on mental health by supporting individuals and families in crisis or facing urgent needs, continuing the foundation’s commitment to respond where help is needed most.

The continued growth of the golf outing highlights the power of collective impact and the generosity of those who contribute year after year.

Looking ahead

Through partnerships, volunteerism, and giving, the foundation focuses on creating lasting impact. Guided by Versova’s mission and purpose, the foundation is committed to investing in local communities through strategic giving and active partnerships.

As the Versova Community Foundation continues to grow, so does its commitment to expanding impact. The foundation is focused on increasing giving, strengthening partnerships, and identifying new opportunities to support the communities it serves.

With a strong focus on the pillars and a clear sense of purpose, the VCF is well-positioned to build on its success, ensuring that its efforts continue to make a meaningful difference for decades to come.