When the decision was made to suspend the 2020 MLS season in response to the COVID-19 outbreak, it meant that Minnesota United’s season — which had begun so brightly with two road wins against the Portland Timbers and the San Jose Earthquakes — would have to be put on the back burner, including the home opener against New York Red Bulls that was scheduled for Sunday, March 15.

Fans and players would have to wait, but one thing that couldn’t be put on standby was all the food that had been brought into Allianz Field in anticipation of 20,000 or so fans descending on the stadium. Faced with this dilemma, MNUFC, Allianz Field and Delaware North made plans to donate the food to local charities.

“Over the weekend, Delaware North was able to donate 2,000 pounds of food to the Aliveness Project and Second Harvest Heartland,” said DNC General Manager Eric Sampson. “While we missed serving our friends and fans at Allianz Field’s scheduled opener on March 15, we’re proud that the prep and energy committed to getting the building ready will positively impact our greater Twin Cities community.”

The food donated included fresh fruits and vegetables, dairy products and dry goods, all of which will go to support the Aliveness Project’s mission of facilitating connection to community, offering nutrition & wellness services, and linking members living with HIV to resources to lead fulfilling & healthy lives, and Second Harvest Heartland’s to end hunger through community partnerships.