PowerSnack Crew Stopped by Southwest Valley Schools to Deliver 1,500 PowerSnack
posted on Sunday, November 17, 2019
“What excites me most about this program is that we can help students not have to worry about where their next meal is going to come from,” said Corning Elementary Principal, Allison Thomas. “When students are hungry, they lack focus and are anxious. It starts with a worry and stems to so many other behaviors.”
As farmers and pork producers, Iowa Select Farms and the Deb and Jeff Hansen Foundation are passionate about supporting hunger-relief efforts, particularly those directed towards children. Power Snack, a program that provides ham and bread coupons to at-risk children, has grown by nearly 14,000 children since being started in 2012.
Earlier today, the Power Snack crew stopped by Southwest Valley Schools to deliver 1,500 Power Snack coupons and 225 pork sticks—a contribution valued at $12,000 and enough supplies to make 18,000 ham sandwiches.
“Some students get their primary meal at school, so this Program helps a lot on extended weekends and holidays,” said Southwest Valley High School Counselor, Jacob Wolfe. “It’s exciting that Power Snack exists to help disadvantaged kids and their families get through tough times.”
“We have a high percentage of free and reduced students, so quite often we see children who are not getting fed at home,” said Lora Top, Principal at Enarson Elementary in Villisca. “Being hungry affects a student’s learning, so anything we can do to help them out is beneficial.”
Four times throughout the school year, students enrolled in the program will receive a $5 coupon for a pound of shaved ham and a $3 coupon for a loaf of whole wheat bread. Coupons can be redeemed at most local grocery and convenience stores.
“Hunger isn’t something kids at a young age should be concerned about,” said Principal Thomas. “These coupons will give them something else to worry about, which is comforting. Full bellies equal full brains, full hearts, and full bodies.”
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