Horace Mann awards grant to Kids Healthy Foods Distribution Program

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (October 9, 2019) - Horace Mann awarded Central Illinois Foodbank a $25,000 grant on Wednesday for its Kids Healthy Foods Distribution Program. The grant will allow the Foodbank to offer a pilot program delivering milk weekly and eggs monthly to Harvard Park Elementary students and their families (this will be in addition to the fresh produce already being delivered weekly).

“We have a belief that healthy children make healthy learners and that makes the classroom experience the best experience it can be,” said Horace Mann President & CEO Marita Zuraitis. “So we’re really happy to provide this grant.”

Ninety-two percent of the children at Harvard Park are considered low income, and this grant will provide 345 students milk and eggs monthly . Superintendent of Springfield Public Schools Jennifer Gill said these types of partnerships help improve the community we live in. “Milk and eggs are the backbone of many meals, but especially breakfast. We know a healthy breakfast is associated with cognitive functioning, including memory, reduced absenteeism and improved moods and behavior. Our Harvard Park families are thankful to receive these goods and the benefits they provide,” said Gill.

Central Illinois Foodbank Executive Director Pam Molitoris says giving children and their families fresh produce, eggs and milk provides the tools to create filling, nutritious meals. “We hope to see children start thinking about what they eat and how eating well is good for their bodies and minds.”

Molitoris said the Foodbank will be measuring the pilot’s success. The Foodbank’s goal is to educate children about healthy food choices and to increase their productivity in school.