North Mahaska Community School District Received Power Snacks for 40 Students
“If students aren’t properly nourished it’s difficult for them to learn,” said Julie Knoot, RN and nurse at Schools North Mahaska Community in New Sharon. “Weekends and holiday breaks are especially difficult for kids because they no longer have access to meals at school. This program is going to be instrumental in helping keep kids fed.”
Power Snack, a program of Iowa Select Farms and the Deb and Jeff Hansen Foundation, stopped through town earlier today to deliver deli ham and whole-wheat bread coupons for students in-need. New this year, schools also receive pork sticks to help alleviate hunger in emergency situations.
“These coupons and pork sticks are intended to combat childhood hunger at the local level,” said Allyson Ladd, communications specialist at Iowa Select Farms. “We work with school teachers, nurses and principals to distribute Power Snack coupons four times a year, typically before extended breaks like Thanksgiving.”
Now in its seventh year, Power Snack supports 22,751 children statewide in grades K-12.
Within the North Mahaska Community School District, 40 students will receive Power Snack four times throughout the school year—a contribution valued at $1,280 and enough supplies to make 1,440 ham sandwiches.
“Kids love ham,” explained Jen Sorenson, communications director of Iowa Select Farms. “It’s easy to prepare, full of flavor and promotes growth and development. Combining the energy and carbohydrates of whole wheat bread with the protein of ham means the children will have made themselves a real Power Snack.”
In addition to Power Snack, North Mahaska has a local food pantry in town, kids closet, and Backpack Program—all food-assistance programs designed to support local students and families in need.
“Power Snack is a great addition to the efforts we’re already making to keep our students fed,” said Julie. “I love that the coupons are for food that’s not only delicious but also nutritious. The more we can encourage students to incorporate healthy foods into their diets, the better. Ham and whole wheat bread are foods that are going to keep them fuller, longer.”