09/28/2026
On August 12-13, east central Indiana experienced what meteorologists described as a 1,000-year flood. Communities including Anderson, Muncie, Connersville, Cambridge City, and Hagerstown were severely impacted as nearly 20 inches of rain fell over a 36-hour period.
The flooding caused widespread damage across the region. Major transportation routes through Wayne County, including U.S. 40, Interstate 70, State Road 38, and U.S. 35, suffered washouts and closures, leaving portions of the county inaccessible. Homes, businesses, and livelihoods were significantly affected.
In the days that followed, our partners at Land O'Lakes, Inc. reached out to ask a simple question: How can we help?
After learning the magnitude of the devastation across east central Indiana, Keystone worked with Land O'Lakes to identify the areas of greatest need and connect relief efforts with local food assistance organizations. Through the First Run program, Land O'Lakes donated a full truckload of fresh cheese, including shredded, sliced, and block products, for distribution through Gleaners Community Food Bank of Indiana and Second Harvest Food Bank of East Central Indiana. Together, helping provide food assistance across the counties affected by the flooding.
In total, nearly 47,000 pounds of cheese were donated to help meet immediate food needs across the affected communities.
At the heart of the cooperative model is the belief that we are stronger when we work together. When our communities face challenges, cooperatives come together to connect resources, respond to needs, and support recovery efforts. This donation is an example of the Cooperative Advantage in action, with Keystone and Land O'Lakes working together to serve the people and communities that rely on us. Thank you for this remarkable generosity, Land O'Lakes, Inc.
