Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn Elementary School Was Another Stop On Our Power Snack Tour
posted on Thursday, November 21, 2019
“I know that the families who receive these coupons are very appreciative,” said Deb Bleeker, Secretary at Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn Elementary School. “The amount of food it provides them is very helpful, especially on extended holiday breaks where their budgets are stretched even further to put food on the table.”
Our seventh stop of the day brought us to Hartley where we met up with Deb to deliver 1,200 Power Snacks for students identified by the school as food-insecure.
A program of Iowa Select Farms and the Deb and Jeff Hansen Foundation, Power Snack alleviates hunger by providing children access to nutritious foods at home. Four times throughout the school year, qualifying children will receive a booklet with a $5 coupon for deli ham and $3 coupon for a loaf of whole wheat bread.
Combining the energy and carbohydrates of whole wheat bread with the protein of ham means the children will have made themselves a real Power Snack.
“Protein is important in the diets of young, developing students because they absolutely need it for development and growth,” said Deb. “Plus, when students are hungry, they have a hard time concentrating on their work. It affects their ability to learn.”
Over the course of two weeks, our team is hitting the road to deliver 91,004 Power Snacks to 125 schools and districts statewide. New this year, pork sticks are also being delivered to schools.
“We are excited about the addition of Pork Sticks because they’ll serve as an immediate, nutritious resource for kids,” said Jen Sorenson, Communications Director of Iowa Select Farms. “They pack a powerful protein punch and can help students curb hunger and focus on learning.”
At the Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn Elementary School, coupons will be distributed at parent/teacher conferences and also sent home discretely with students prior to extended holiday breaks.
“When students are hungry, they may appear tired, nausea, irritable or have headaches,” continued Deb. “Anything we can do to meet their needs and help them focus on learning helps. These coupons really do make an impact and we’re grateful to participate in this program year-after-year.”
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