Sixth Year in a Row PowerSnack Has Stopped at the Diagonal Community Schools
posted on Sunday, November 17, 2019
“This Program isn’t beneficial for just students in need, but their entire family,” said Danielle Newton, Nutrition Director at Diagonal Community Schools. “I love that Power Snack gives out at-risk families healthy options when they aren’t at school.”
The coupons provide access to healthy foods that families might not otherwise be able to afford.”
For the sixth year in a row, Power Snack made a visit to the Diagonal Community School to deliver deli ham and whole-wheat bread coupons for area children and families in need.
New this year, Danielle also receive 75 pork sticks to help alleviate emergency hunger situations at school.
“We see a difference in the learning ability of students that come to school hungry versus those that don’t,” Danielle explained. “When students are hungry, they are tired, angry and complain of tummy aches. Protein helps keep them fuller, longer and provides them with a nutritious option to fill a gap that may exist.”
A Program of Iowa Select Farms and the Deb and Jeff Hansen Foundation, Power Snack aims to reduced childhood hunger by providing resources for kids to make their own “Power Snacks” at home—deli ham and whole wheat bread.
Each year, students identified as food-insecure by their teachers and/or school receive Power Snack coupon booklets containing a $5 coupon for a pound of deli ham and $3 coupon for a loaf of whole wheat bread. The coupons can be redeemed at local grocery stores and are distributed four times throughout the school year, normally before extended holiday breaks.
150 students within the Diagonal School District will be receiving Power Snack coupons—a contribution valued at $4,800 and enough supplies to make 5,400 ham sandwiches.
In addition to Power Snack, Diagonal has a food pantry available at a nearby church for students. The pantry is also open to the public every Saturday and was started by the local Parent-Teacher Organization after a need was identified.
“When students have full bellies they are able to focus on learning,” said Danielle. “The lack of food provided to our children at home can affect their learning and development. These coupons can be the difference in them eating a meal or going without. They’re truly a wonderful gift.”
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