Murray Community Schools Receives Power Snacks
posted on Wednesday, November 20, 2019
“With this program, any child can open up the package of shaved ham and a slice of bread and fix their own sandwich,” said Jennifer Danley, 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. This is the seventh year Power Snack has visited the school district.
When students are well-fed, they perform better in school. New this year, Power Snack deliveries also include pork sticks to help 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.”
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. Oftentimes parents are working on weekends and holidays. Something simple like a ham sandwich may be the difference in preventing kids from going hungry.
“What excites me most about this program is that our kids will be receiving healthy snacks,” said Jennifer. “Protein is important in the diets of young, developing students because it gives them energy. When they’re well-fed, they come to school energized and ready to learn.”
310 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 $9,920 and enough supplies to make 11,160 ham sandwiches.
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