Cherokee Middle School Power Snack Delivery
posted on Thursday, January 4, 2018
“Food insecurity in children is a real factor in our communities and has a direct impact on student learning,” said Scot Aden, Cherokee Middle School Principal. “When we have hungry students, it makes learning very difficult and increases negative behavior.”
Food insecurity is difficult at all times of the year, but is especially difficult for children during extended school breaks. With the holidays behind us, students across Iowa are returning to school after a very chilly winter break. It is likely students who are food insecure would not have eaten healthy and filling snacks during this recent holiday break if they hadn’t received their Power Snack Coupons from Iowa Select Farms and the Deb and Jeff Hansen Foundation before the holidays.
The Power Snack Program provides food insecure students with $5 coupons for shaved or sliced ham and $3 coupons for a loaf of whole wheat bread. The brightly colored, super hero themed coupons are accompanied by a booklet full of easy and delicious recipes – and don’t forget nutritious, as pork is an excellent source of protein, zinc and iron. The coupons are designed so that they are easy to use for students and empower them to make their own nutrient-rich snacks. And most importantly, they help students stay full and focused inside, and outside, the classroom.
“Our school ranges from 40-50 percent of the student population benefiting from free and reduced lunch programs,” explained Aden. “Students come to school hungry and suffer academically by not eating a healthy, filling breakfast.”
The Power Snack Program is supporting 450 students within the Cherokee Community School District, a contribution valued at $14,400.
In addition to the Power Snack Program, students in the Cherokee Community School District can enroll in the Backpack Program and receive bags of free food to take home on the weekends. The community also supports students and other members within the community through food banks -- there is always a place to turn if a person needs a helping hand.
“I believe these Power Snack coupons will be a huge asset for our community and something we can easily incorporate into our Backpack Program,” Aden continued. “The coupons will be a readily available resource for students and their families to use. They will help families not feel different and truly make a difference where it matters most.”
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