Donation & Matching CEO Contribution Help Ease Food Insecurity
La Crosse, WI— Dairyland Power Cooperative’s partner school, Hintgen Elementary, will benefit from a $5,000 combined donation from Dairyland and President & CEO Brent Ridge. Dairyland donated $2,500 in support of Hintgen’s schoolwide snack fund; Ridge and his wife, Lisa, matched the donation.
“Hintgen is grateful for the continued support and generosity from Dairyland Power Cooperative and the Ridge family,” 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.”
Over 80% of Hintgen’s student population qualify for Free and Reduced meals, due to their household income level, well above the state average of 40% 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 a minimum of $15,000 annually. To offset costs, Principal Oliver seeks donations and grants to ensure students can receive a nutritious snack during the day.
“No child should have to face the challenges of hunger, it affects not only their health but also their ability to learn,” said Dairyland President and CEO Brent Ridge. “We are proud to continue our partnership with Hintgen, allowing us to support education and food insecurity initiatives in our community to ensure students can thrive.”
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.
About Dairyland Power Cooperative: Headquartered in La Crosse, Wis., Dairyland provides the wholesale electrical requirements for 24 distribution cooperatives and 27 municipal utilities. These cooperatives and municipals, in turn, supply the energy needs of approximately 750,000 people in four states. Visit www.DairylandPower.com
