posted on Tuesday, November 13, 2018
“With this program any child can open up the package of shaved ham and a slice of bread and fix their own sandwich,” said Liz Justice, Business Manager at Murray Community Schools. “That’s what I like about the program. It’s simple and makes it so easy for kids to access these quality foods that they might not otherwise get.”
At Murray Community Schools, the percentage of poverty is very high. In fact, more than half of the student population is on free and reduced lunch.
To support ongoing food-assistance programs in the district, Iowa Select Farms and the Deb and Jeff Hansen Foundation once again delivered Power Snacks—ham and whole wheat bread coupons for at-risk students.
“Power Snack is indicative of the larger purpose of the program—empower children in food insecure homes by teaching them how to get to the store, shop for nutritious food covered by the coupons and make their own snacks,” said Jen Sorenson, Communications Director of Iowa Select Farms. “Oftentimes parents are working on weekends and holidays. Something simple like a ham sandwich may be the difference in preventing kids from going hungry.”
When students are well-fed, they perform better in school.
“We want to make sure that students are always taken care of so they can stay focused,” said Liz. “We give them snacks that teachers often purchase out of their own pocket. It’s also not uncommon for teachers to deposit funds into students’ lunch and milk accounts.”
325 students enrolled in the program will receive a $5 coupon for a pound of deli ham and a $3 coupon for a loaf of whole wheat bread four times throughout the school year—a contribution valued at $10,400 and enough supplies to make 11,700 ham sandwiches.
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