Minnesota Vikings team with UnitedHealthcare to tackle hunger

Eric Kendricks, Laquon Treadwell, and other Minnesota Vikings players worked with UnitedHealthcare and the Tackle Hunger program to feed hungry families.

The Minnesota Vikings may be recognized mostly for their play on the football field, but the team’s ownership, as well as former and current players, also do a lot of great things for the community as well as charities.

One particular charity that is very important to Vikings linebacker Eric Kendricks is the Second Harvest Heartland program. Last year, he had fans sponsor him to donate a certain amount for each sack made during the 2016 season, and that program is returning this year. Fans can check it out on the PledgeIt website.

According to the official Minnesota Vikings website, Kendricks and teammates Laquon Treadwell, Kyle Carter, and Bronson Hill along with former Vikings Dave Osborn and Tyrone Carter plus the Minnesota Vikings cheerleaders and Viktor the Viking all participated in this year’s visit to Second Harvest Heartland thanks to a partnership with UnitedHeathcare.

While there, the players and cheerleaders put on helmets and gloves to work on an assembly line to pack up food for families in need.

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This is a cause that is very important to Kendricks since he and his family often found themselves in need of assistance just to get by.

"“It was just me, my brother, my sister and my mom, and it was hard at times,” Kendricks said. “But whether it was through other family members or through the community, we received lots of help, leadership and guidance from teachers and coaches and things like that. And I just think it’s important to give back.”"

Kendricks isn’t the only member of the Vikings who needed a helping hand as a kid. Second-year wide receiver Laquon Treadwell is also familiar with how much difference a little kindness and help can mean to a family in need.

"“I was one of those kids who got help from many people, and it helped me get to where I am today. So you can always give back and be grateful for what you have,” Treadwell said."

Huge respect goes out to the current and former members of the Minnesota Vikings who participated in the Second Harvest Heartland as well as UnitedHealthcare for their partnership.

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Fans who want to help out can make a donation at the Sunday, October 1, 2017 game against the Detroit Lions by donating at The Commons area of U.S. Bank Stadium (located west of Medtronic Plaza) from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m or can make their donations online at 2harvest.org.