Items of interest
Tiger Packs
Tiger Packs is an initiative to combat hunger in the Grinnell-Newburg School District. Eligible K-8 students receive a weekly bag of kid-friendly, nutritious food to take home on the weekends while the high school students have access to a food pantry with a variety of healthy snacks and takeaway meals.
Tiger Packs was established in 2013 as a pilot program at Bailey Park Elementary with just 12 students, and the program has expanded to serve over 200 students from five area schools. Our numbers continue to grow as registration forms are now included with school enrollment materials. Any student who receives free or reduced lunch is automatically eligible, but students who have been identified as food insecure by school personnel may also participate. There is a clear indication of community need for this program as the percentage of students in the Grinnell – Newburg school district receiving free and reduced lunch has increased from 30.6% during the 2007-08 school year to 37% in the current academic year.
Tiger Packs touches a variety of community issues, particularly the link between nutrition, education, and poverty. Children who do not get enough healthy food to eat have greater difficulty concentrating in school, which leads to decreased performance. Tiger Packs is an important program because it not only combats a direct need with a short-term solution (feeding hungry children), but also works to address a fundamental cause of poverty: children who are not focused on their hunger will be better able to concentrate on their learning, and will be more likely to perform well in school, continue their education, and break the cycle of poverty.
This program relies on volunteers to support and sustain their efforts.
Please click the button below to get more in formation and signup to volunteer.
Applications Open for Grinnell AmeriCorps Connections Coordinator
Tiger Packs is taking applications for a fall AmeriCorps member to act as Connections Coordinator. If you are interested, please review the information in the flyer below and click the link to apply.
This August, we're asking our community to help us keep Tiger Packs strong. 💛
Your gift means a hungry student gets a full weekend. It means a family feels supported, not alone. It means our whole community shows up for its kids.
Watch for our Annual Appeal letter — and thank you, in advance, for being part of the pack. 🐯📦
ahrensfamilyfoundation.org/tiger-packs/
#TigerPacks #GiveBack #CommunitySupport
Mark your calendars! 📅 Our Tiger Packs Annual Appeal launches this August, and we can't wait to share how your support changes lives right here in our own community.
Every dollar helps us pack more bags, feed more students, and show up for families who need us. 🐯
Watch your inbox or give today: ahrensfamilyfoundation.org/tiger-packs/
#TigerPacks #AnnualAppeal
While school is out, the need for food assistance continues.
Tiger Packs may operate during the school year, but summer is an important time to prepare for the months ahead. Your support today helps ensure we'll be ready to provide weekend food bags to students when school resumes.
Every donation helps:
🥫 Purchase nutritious food
🍎 Provide fresh fruit
🥚 Support protein vouchers
🎒 Fill weekend food bags for local students
Consider making a gift to Tiger Packs this summer and help us continue nourishing students throughout the school year.
ahrensfamilyfoundation.org/tiger-packs/
#TigerPacks #GrinnellCares
☀🍅 School may be out, but food resources are still available this summer!
If your family could use additional support, check out the food and meal resources available throughout our community. ahrensfamilyfoundation.org/grinnelfoodcoalition/
Tiger Packs is committed to helping connect families with nutritious food year-round. We encourage anyone who may benefit to take advantage of these programs.
Together, we can help ensure no child goes hungry this summer. 💛
#TigerPacks #SummerSupport #grinnellcommunity
Need a quick summer snack that's both fun and nutritious?
Try this combination:
🍓 Fresh berries
🍿 Air-popped popcorn
🧀 Cheese sticks
This snack trio provides a balance of fruits, whole grains, and protein to help keep kids energized for summer adventures.
Healthy snacks don't have to be complicated—they just need to be delicious!
#TigerPacks #SummerNutrition #HealthySnacks
Looking for a healthy, kid-friendly snack this summer?
Try apple slices with peanut butter! 🍎🥜
This simple snack is packed with:
✅ Protein for growing bodies
✅ Fiber to keep kids feeling full
✅ Natural sweetness kids love
It's easy to prepare, affordable, and perfect for busy summer days. What are your family's favorite healthy snacks?
#TigerPacks #HealthyKids #SummerSnacks