“Students who come to school hungry struggle to focus on classroom instruction, which negatively affects their learning,” said Kari Wagner, Principal at Lake Mills Elementary. “Students’ most basic needs have to be met before they can focus on learning.”
According to the Food Bank of Iowa, 1 in 5 children is considered food-insecure, meaning, they do not have enough to eat.
“As farmers and pork producers, we are passionate about assisting hunger-relief efforts, particularly those directed towards children,” said Jen Sorenson, Communications Director of Iowa Select Farms. “As part of our ongoing commitment to rural Iowa, we have increased the number of children served through Power Snack by nearly 14,000 since 2012.”
A program of Iowa Select Farms and the Deb and Jeff Hansen Foundation, Power Snack aims to provide children access to healthy foods at home. Four times a year, students and their families receive a booklet with a $5 coupon for a pound of deli ham and $3 coupon for a loaf of whole wheat bread.
“What excites me most about the Program is that students will have access to a nutritious meal option and come to school ready to learn,” continue Principal Wagner. “Protein is important in the diets of young, developing students. Their brains need it!”
300 students at Lake Mills Elementary School will receive Power Snack coupons—a contribution valued at $9,600 and enough resources to make 14,400 ham sandwich “Power Snacks”.
