posted on Friday, October 30, 2020
Helloooo Butler County! Our first stop was Aplington-Parkersburg CSD to deliver 120 Power Snacks for food-insecure students.
“I am so excited that our students will have a healthy protein option at home to fill their tummies,” said Rachael Klooser, school counselor. “When students come to school hungry, they may act sluggish, can be irritable and have a hard time focusing on anything other than lunch and snack time.”
To support food-insecure children at Aplington-Parkersburg and statewide, Iowa Select Farms and the Deb and Jeff Hansen Foundation are taking two weeks to deliver Power Snacks—coupons for deli ham and whole wheat bread. Four times throughout the school year, eligible students will receive a $5 coupon for a pound of deli ham and a $3 coupon for a loaf of whole wheat bread. Since Power Snack started, 2,842 students have been supported with the food ingredients for 136,416 ham sandwiches.
“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 continue to grow efforts like Power Snack.”
Last year, students were introduced to Pork Sticks, a readily available snack that serve as an immediate, nutritious resource. They pack a powerful protein punch and can help students curb hunger and focus on learning.
“Protein allows students to stay fuller, longer,” continued Klooser. “It’s also a major a source of energy and very important in the diets of young, developing students.”
Klooser plans to distribute Power Snack coupons within the school’s existing Backpack Program that sends food home with kids on the weekends. Coupons can be redeemed at any local grocery or market or anywhere deli ham and whole wheat bread is sold.
This year, 97,500 Power Snack Coupons and 20,000 Pork Sticks are being donated to schools in 99 communities across Iowa.
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