[PITTSBURGH, PA] April 22, 2026 — Miss America Cassie Donegan joined athletes, chefs, and community leaders in Pittsburgh for the Taste of the NFL Draft, a philanthropic event focused on addressing food insecurity and expanding access to nutritious meals for students across the country.
The event brought together NFL legends, including honorary host Doug Flutie, along with acclaimed chefs from the Pittsburgh culinary community and special guests from across sports and entertainment. Proceeds from the evening will support impactful youth-focused initiatives, including the expansion of NFL FLAG-in-Schools programming across 91 schools and efforts to reach more than 50,000 students through increased access to school meals.
A central beneficiary of the event is GENYOUth, an organization dedicated to helping students thrive by promoting better nutrition and increased physical activity in schools. Through public-private partnerships, GENYOUth works to address food insecurity and barriers to healthy living, placing students at the center of solutions designed to support long-term wellbeing.
The Taste of the NFL Draft also spotlighted broader efforts to strengthen school communities and reduce gaps in food access, particularly in underserved areas. By connecting sports, education, and philanthropy, the event works to ensure children have the resources they need to succeed both in and out of the classroom.
As Miss America continues her year of service, her participation reflects an ongoing commitment to service and civic engagement, using visibility and storytelling to elevate issues impacting young people nationwide.
The Taste of the NFL Draft stands as a celebration of collaboration, bringing together leaders from sports, food, and philanthropy to make a tangible impact on the lives of students and families across the country.