“When students come to school hungry they seem to have a harder time focusing on academics because they’re more focused on their hunger,” said Jessica Weber, counselor at Gladbrook-Reinbeck schools. “It’s important for them to have full bellies so that they have more energy and brain power to learn and play.”
For the second year in a row, food-insecure students at Gladbrook-Reinbeck will be receiving Power Snack coupons for deli ham and whole wheat bread. Power Snack, a program of Iowa Select Farms and the Deb and Jeff Hansen Foundation, aims to reduce childhood hunger by providing access to nutritious food.
“We are traveling the state to deliver $5 ham and $3 whole wheat bread coupons,” explained Allyson Ladd, communications specialist at Iowa Select Farms. “The goal is to empower children by teaching them how to get to the store, shop for nutritious food covered by the coupons and make their own Power Snacks at home.”
Now in its sixth year, Power Snack supports 23,267 children statewide in grades K-12.
“These coupons will become part of our Backpack Program, which sends healthy foods home with students during weekends and extended breaks,” explained Jessica. “Unfortunately, healthier foods also come with a bigger price tag. What excites me most about this program is the access it will provide families to healthy, filling snack options.”
16 students within the Gladbrook-Reinbeck Community School District will receive Power Snack four times throughout the school year—enough supplies to make 576 ham sandwiches.
