Hy-Vee treats veterans to a free breakfast

Hy-Vee stores across the Midwest buzzed with conversation, laughter and reminiscing Monday morning for their annual free breakfast for military veterans and active service members in honor of Veteran’s Day. 

At the Hy-Vee on N. 27 & Superior, tables and plates filled up fast.

On the menu were eggs, bacon, sausage, biscuits and gravy, pancakes, french toast, potatoes, pastries, and fresh fruit.  

Steve Parker manages this Hy-Vee location, and says this event is something they look forward to every year.

“This is the most fun day, this is the most gratifying day. It’s a way that we at Hy-Vee can serve those that served us,” Parker said. 

The veterans in attendance not only loved the food, but the appreciation the event gave them.

Lane Whitaker served in the United States Army and Navy during the Vietnam War. 

He says it took him a while to realize he was a veteran, since those who served in the Vietnam war did not receive the warmest welcome home.

But supportive events like this give him hope.

“The show of support and love that people give us veterans now, it really makes you proud to be a veteran,” Whitaker said. 

David Emery not only served his country in the U.S. Army – he also just retired from Hy-Vee last spring, and has a deep appreciation for the work Hy-Vee does for those who served. 

“During my 11 years that I worked at Hy-Vee, I was incredibly impressed by our company doing this for veterans,” Emery said. 

This breakfast is also in partnership with Hy-Vee’s Round Up initiative, running through November 18.  

Customers can choose to round their bill up to any dollar amount, and proceeds go to one of four Hy-Vee Homefront organizations: Hope for the Warriors, Operation First Response, the Puppy Jake Foundation, and the American Red Cross.