Easing Food Insecurity: Dairyland Supports Hintgen Elementary's Schoolwide Snack Program

Dairyland's partner school, Hintgen Elementary, will benefit from a $5,500 combined donation from Dairyland and President & CEO Brent Ridge. Dairyland donated $3,500 in support of Hintgen's schoolwide snack fund; Ridge and his wife, Lisa, generously contributed an extra $2,000, bringing the total donation to $5,500.

Photo: Vice President, External Affairs Jason Herbert visited with Hintgen Elementary Principal Amy Oliver on Nov. 13 to present the donation and discuss food insecurity and its impact on learning.

"Hintgen is grateful for the continued support and generosity from Dairyland Power Cooperative," said Principal Amy Oliver. "This donation makes an immediate impact, ensuring students receive free snacks at school throughout the year, helping fuel their bodies and their ability to focus on learning."

Nearly 75 percent (230 children) of Hintgen's student population qualify for Free and Reduced meals, due to their household income level, well above the state average of 42% per school. Based on the needs of the student population, Hintgen also qualifies as a "certified free school" for breakfast and lunch. Additionally, students need a daily snack, which costs the school over $13,000 annually. To offset costs, Principal Oliver seeks donations and grants to ensure students can receive a nutritious snack during the day. "Dairyland was our first donor supporting schoolwide snacks," said Principal Oliver.

"Through our partnership with Hintgen, Dairyland is able to put cooperative principles into practice by supporting education and quality of life for local families," said Ridge. "Food insecurity is a significant concern in schools, impacting health, happiness and academic performance. We are glad to support efforts that combat this critical problem within our community and among our youth."

Dairyland collaborates with the La Crosse Public Education Foundation on its Adopt-a-School program as Hintgen Elementary's partner. The Adopt-a-School program matches businesses and community organizations to specific schools in La Crosse. Hintgen is in our "neighborhood" - located only about a mile from the Dairyland Administration Building.