On March 6th, the Huntington® Bank Rotunda at Mall of America® buzzed with excitement as more than a hundred enthusiastic participants gathered for MATTERbox Madness 2025, now in its 11th year. Sixteen teams from leading companies across Minnesota came together for a high-energy, bracket-style food-packing competition, all with the shared goal of assembling 10,000 snack packs for kids and families this summer.
MATTERbox Madness 2025 kicks off MATTER’s annual campaign to deliver 50,000 meals to Minnesota kids over the summer months. Each MATTERbox snack pack contains a beneficial mix of protein, complex carbohydrates, and an unsweetened fruit pouch — along with a heartfelt YOU MATTER note of encouragement.
A Championship Performance from Scott Equipment Company
This year’s championship trophy went to Scott Equipment Company, whose teamwork and precision were unmatched. Maddie Lijewski from Scott Equipment reflected on the win, saying, “We are so excited to be at the Mall of America supporting MATTER and had the dream team this year! We hope this impacts so many kids.”
Sarah Lucas, also from Scott Equipment, added, “We are grateful for the opportunity to be part of this awesome event — so much energy, so much fun — and the great opportunity to help out kids in our local community. We are also grateful for the opportunity to partner with a great organization like MATTER!”
Honoring Team Spirit and Sportsmanship
While Scott Equipment Company claimed the championship, other teams showed remarkable spirit and sportsmanship. The Mall of America® team won the consolation round, showcasing their determination. Huntington Bank was recognized with the Team Sportsmanship Award for their camaraderie and support of other teams, while The 180 Group took home the Team Spirit Award for their contagious energy and enthusiasm.
J.R. Spiess, President and CEO of The 180 Group, shared why they continue to support MATTER, saying, “We’ve been helping MATTER out for a couple of years now. They are an amazing organization that allows us to give back as a group to kids that need it. So, let’s put some food in kids’ bellies and make sure they are set up for success!”
Making a Difference in the Community
The impact of MATTERbox Madness extends far beyond the competition. MATTERbox meals benefit organizations like Columbia Heights Schools, where food insecurity is a real challenge for many students. Kimberly Olszanski, a staff member at Columbia Heights Schools, highlighted the importance of these snack packs, saying, “A number of our students have food insecurities and rely on the packs for nutrition and snacks throughout the day. These snack packs support the students and families in need so the family may focus energy on home needs and not necessarily only food.”
One student from Columbia Heights shared, “These packs are great as I know I do not have food at home.”
Also a MATTERbox recipient, Cara McGlynn, Quora Special Needs Center, added, “Many of our students are facing food insecurity and access to healthy snacks isn’t just a convenience—it’s a necessity. Hunger is a major barrier to learning, affecting focus, energy levels, and emotional regulation. By providing nutritious snacks, we help ensure that students can stay engaged, ready to learn, and better able to navigate their school day with stability and confidence.”
Brandon Griffin, Senior VP of Operations for The Sanneh Foundation, a MATTERbox recipient organization who also participated at MATTERbox Madness, shared his perspective, “We’ve worked with MATTER for many years and have done lots of collaborations and partnerships together, always looking for ways to help underserved communities in the Twin Cities. We appreciate the partnership and appreciate being here today at MATTERbox Madness, doing good work together!”
The JP4 Foundation, also a recipient of MATTERbox meals, also participated in MATTERbox Madness 2025.
Strong Partnerships and Lasting Impact
Tami Hedrick, President, U.S. Operations & Chief Engagement Officer for MATTER, expressed her gratitude to all the participants and supporters: “We are incredibly grateful to all the companies partnering with us for MATTERbox Madness, bringing beneficial meals to our community. Your support is essential in helping us reach our goal of providing 50,000 meals to children this summer!”
Many companies have made MATTERbox Madness a key part of their commitment to community engagement. Treasure Island Resort and Casino participated with excitement and determination. Aaron Seehusen, PR Manager for Treasure Island Resort and Casino, said, “We are really excited to be here! We are all ready and have been training for MATTERbox Madness. We’re super excited to make a difference in the community and we love working with MATTER. They are one of our favorite organizations, and we love their mission, as it really aligns with what we do at Treasure Island Resort and Casino.”
Thank You to All Our MATTERbox 2025 Amazing Partners!
A huge thank you to all the companies and organizations who participated and helped make MATTERbox Madness 2025 such a success. In addition to those mentioned above, we also want to thank: Bauer Design Build, Henkel, Hennepin Healthcare, JP4 Foundation, KLC Financial, Mains’l Services, Minnesota Vikings, Protolabs, Seiler Law, and Sunburst. A special thank you to CRAVE for their generous donation to the celebration reception!
Be Part of the Madness in 2026
Want to join the excitement next year? Sign up for MATTERbox Madness 2026 to reserve your team’s spot and help make a difference in your community!
Watch the highlights of MATTERbox Madness 2025!
