Nodaway Valley Community School District Was Visited By The Super Snacker
posted on Sunday, November 17, 2019
“Our data shows that students who struggle with food score lower,” said Lanny Kliefoth, middle school principal Nodaway Valley CSD. “But I believe it also affects their self-esteem, behavior, and ability to focus.”
To help students that struggle with food insecurity, the elementary and middle schools in Nodaway Valley participate in a Backpack program that sends healthy food options home with students. But with Thanksgiving right around the corner, many students may still be wondering how or what they’re going to eat during the extended break.
“School-based food-assistance programs for children from low-income families greatly aid the learning process, but those same children may still suffer from food insecurity on weekends and holiday breaks,” said Allyson Ladd, communications specialist at Iowa Select Farms. “We encourage teachers to distribute our Power Snacks prior to those breaks to ensure no child ever has to go to bed hungry.”
Power Snack, a program of Iowa Select Farms and the Deb and Jeff Hansen Foundation, aims to reduce childhood hunger in Iowa by providing kids access to nutritious food at home. Four times throughout the school year children receive a $5 coupon for deli ham and $3 coupon for a loaf of whole wheat bread.
New this year, schools will receive pork sticks to help curb hunger in emergency situations.
“Protein is important in the diets of young, developing students because it gives them energy, helps with proper growth, as well as staying healthy,” continued Principal Kliefoth. “We distribute coupons once a month and students are very open to them.”
250 students in the Nodaway Valley Community School District will receive Power Snack coupons—a contribution valued at $8,000 and enough resources to make 12,000 ham sandwich “Power Snacks”.
“We are looking forward to making these coupons available to a select number of students,” said Lanny. “Being able to provide them with a quality meal, several quality meals is really special. It’s really going to help them and their families out.”
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