(WEDNESDAY, DEC. 27, 2017) MINNEAPOLIS, MN – Taste of the NFL, a non-profit dedicated to hunger relief, will kick off the charitable weekend with the SUPERVALU Founders Breakfast, Saturday, Feb. 3, 2018 at Saint Paul RiverCentre Ballroom. The breakfast brings together chefs, players and supporters from the inaugural 1992 Taste of the NFL event for Super Bowl XXVI. Guests will have the opportunity to learn about Taste of the NFL’s celebrated history by mingling with NFL alumni, celebrities, and key Minnesota industry leaders. Tickets to the SUPERVALU Founders Breakfast are available at www.bidpal.net/foundersbreakfast for $75 – the identical price for the first ever Taste of the NFL event in 1992.

“It is truly a full circle moment to have original members of the first Taste of the NFL event at our Founders Breakfast,” said Taste of the NFL founder Wayne Kostroski. “Starting off the day of 27th annual Party with a Purpose with this event is a meaningful moment that will also make an impact to continuing our efforts to end hunger in the United States.”

Acting as event host will be notable Minnesotan and WCCO Sports Radio Personality, Dave Mona. CEO of Super Bowl XXVI, Marilyn Carlson Nelson, and New York Times best-selling author, Harvey Mackay will also be in attendance to celebrate the Super Bowl coming home to Minnesota. Mona, Nelson and Mackay were all original members of the Super Bowl XXVI committee.

“For 26 years, the Taste of the NFL has made a significant impact in the national fight against hunger. SUPERVALU was proud to sponsor the original Taste of the NFL in 1992, and we’re excited to be a part of this year’s event as it comes back home to raise funds for Second Harvest Heartland,” said Darren Caudill, Vice President, SUPERVALU.

Two of the longest-running Taste of the NFL chefs, Allen Susser (Burger Bar by Chef Allen, Miami) and Jack McDavid (Jack’s Firehouse, Philadelphia), will be on hand to share stories of the launch. Both have participated in the Party with a Purpose event each year since 1992. Their original player representatives, who have also been with Taste of the NFL every year, will be present as well – Dick Anderson (Miami Dolphins Alum) and Jerry Sisemore (Philadelphia Eagles Alum). All four will be recognized for their 27 year commitment to hunger relief and Taste of the NFL.

In addition, distinguished players and chefs in attendance will include:

• Randall McDaniel (Vikings Player Representative) • Bob Lurtsema (Former Vikings and a Founding Player) • Scott Studwell (Former Vikings and a Founding Player) • Matt Birk (NFL Walter Payton Man of the Year) • Ben Leber (Former Vikings Linebacker and 27th annual Party with a Purpose National Player Host) • Mike Veeck (Saint Paul Saints Co-Owner) • Bobby Bell (Former Vikings Linebacker and Hall of Fame) • Jan Stenerud (Former Vikings Kicker and Hall of Fame) • Donny Anderson (Super Bowl 1 Representative) • Chris Doleman (Former Vikings Defensive End and Hall of Fame) • Chef Robert del Grande (Houston Texans Chef Representative and Founding Chef) • Chef Susan Spicer (New Orleans Saints Chef Representative and Founding Chef)

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ABOUT TASTE OF THE NFL Since 1992, the Taste of the NFL (a 501c3 organization) has rallied the country's top chefs and the NFL's greatest players to raise money in support of food banks throughout the United States. To date, Taste of the NFL’s programs and events have raised and donated in excess of $25 million to food banks and nonprofit organizations in the 32 NFL cities, resulting in more than 200 million meals for Americans in need (many of them children and seniors), who have turned to their local food banks for assistance. The season long efforts culminate each year with the Taste of the NFL’s Party with a Purpose®. Held on the eve of Super Bowl LII on Saturday, February 3, 2018 at Saint Paul RiverCentre, this year’s star-studded fundraising event brings together exceptional cuisine, prominent chefs from around the country, NFL players, coaches, legends and more, all to support the fight against hunger. This year’s Party with a Purpose is generously supported by the following national sponsors: General Mills (Presenting Sponsor), E. & J. Gallo Winery (Wine Partner), Delta Airlines (Entertainment Presenter), Elior (Welcoming Partner), Ecolab (Chef Host Sponsor), SUPERVALU (Founder’s Lounge Host), and PepsiCo (Supporting Partner). US Foods and Verlasso Salmon are the Preferred Product Partners for Taste of the NFL events. For more information on Taste of the NFL’s 2017-18 sponsors, please go here. Learn more about Taste of the NFL at www.TasteoftheNFL.com.

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