East Sac Community School District is Another Stop on Our Power Snack Trip
posted on Thursday, November 21, 2019
“Our students truly benefit and rely on programs like Power Snack to meet their basic nutrition needs,” said Amanda. “Oftentimes hunger is a situation that is out of their hands. The extra support really helps them and their families out.”
Food insecurity is a common problem among students grades K-12. In fact, 1 in 5 Iowa children is considered food insecure, meaning they do not have enough to eat.
“We have dozens of kids in our district whose only meals happen at school,” said Amanda Miller, a counselor at the East Sac County Community School District. “A child can’t learn if they are starving.”
A program of Iowa Select Farms and the Deb and Jeff Hansen Foundation, Power Snack provides children with $5 coupons for deli ham and $3 coupons for a loaf of whole wheat bread. The coupons are distributed four times throughout the school year, typically before extended breaks when students don’t have access to school breakfast and lunch programs.
New this year, schools will also receive pork sticks to alleviate hunger in emergency situations.
“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.”
With the help of school nurses, teachers, counselors, and principals, Power Snack coupons are discretely distributed to students that qualify.
“When students come to school hungry, they may act lethargic, sleepy, unfocused or complain about being hungry,” explained Amanda. “It definitely has a negative impact on their ability to learn. You have to have your basic needs met before you can concentrate on learning—period.”
This year, 55 students within the East Sac Community School District will receive Power Snack coupons—a contribution valued at $1,760 and enough resources to make 2,640 ham sandwich “Power Snacks”. The District plans to distribute coupons to students and families through their food pantry that serves 40 families.
“These coupons are very helpful and give students the opportunity to eat healthy,” said Amanda. “Not only will they feed a hungry student, but protein also feeds the brain! It’s very important in the diets of young, developing students and we are very appreciative of these coupons.”
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