American Legion in Minnesota Combines Rucking with Veteran Food Relief Efforts
The American Legion Department of Minnesota Fourth District, led by Commander Jonathan Haworth, has been organizing monthly rucks that serve a dual purpose: promoting physical and mental wellness among veterans and providing food relief. These rucks involve veterans walking while carrying weight in backpacks, culminating in donations to the Minneapolis VA Medical Center's monthly Pop-Up Veteran Food Pantry. Since starting in March, these efforts have resulted in over 1,000 pounds of food donated by November 15. The pantry has assisted nearly 2,400 veterans and their households since October 2025, distributing more than 2,800 28-pound food boxes, including support for over 600 children. The rucks, which initially started from Minnehaha Regional Park, now depart from the Tipsy Steer restaurant for easier parking, covering a round-trip distance of approximately 3.5 miles to the Minneapolis VAMC.