Local students receive food support from Intercounty Electric

Intercounty Electric Cooperative Association recently presented checks totaling $28,500 to the 19 area school districts within the co-op’s territory for use in various programs that benefit kids who deal with food insecurities.

Each of the districts have an organization or program dedicated to providing kid-friendly, nutritious food to students with food-insecurities who need a little extra to help get them by. Each program received $1,500, including one at Houston Elementary School.

One of IECA’s principles is “Concern for Community,” and while the member-owned co-op’s primary focus is serving members’ energy needs, the organization recognizes the importance of supporting its local communities.

“One of our primary goals at the cooperative is to improve the lives of our members,” said Heather Kidwell, IECA Director of Communications. “These kiddos may be some of our youngest members, but they are future of our local communities.”

It was in that cooperative spirit that IECA teamed up with partner organizations Sho-Me Power and CoBank to make this investment in local students.

“These programs really were the perfect recipients of the grant funds, especially with the rising costs of groceries,” Kidwell said. “The three organizations wanted to help support the local programs for how they enhance the quality of life for the children they serve.”

“We thought this would be a great way to support and show our gratitude to the organizations that provide for children who might go hungry otherwise,” said IECA Board President Matthew Duncan. “Their efforts to support local children are greatly appreciated. These organizations certainly improve lives and strengthen the communities they serve.”

Houston Elementary counselor Maggie Moore said food insecurity isn’t uncommon at the school.

“I have multiple students who stop by my office every day before they leave school and grab extra food for the night,” Moore said. “My goal is to ensure that no student goes hungry and that I do everything I can to help alleviate any possible obstacles that may stand in the way of our students being successful.”

If you’re looking for a way to help your own community, consider reaching out to your local school’s food program to see how you could help. Like other non-profits, these programs operate based on donations and volunteers.

“Our hope is that you, too, recognize the food needs of our local students and might be able to help,” Kidwell said.

Other school districts in Texas County that received donations included Cabool, Licking, Raymondville and Summersville.

Sho-Me Power is IECA’s transmission cooperative, and provides reliable, low-cost electric energy to nine rural electric cooperatives. CoBank is a cooperative bank which provides loans and financial services to IECA and other rural power systems across the nation. Sho-Me Power and CoBank each partnered with IECA in making these donations possible.

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