Dairyland’s partner school, Hintgen Elementary, will benefit from a $3,000 combined donation from Dairyland and President & CEO Brent Ridge. Dairyland donated $1,500 in support of Hintgen’s schoolwide snack fund; Ridge and his wife, Lisa, personally provided a matching contribution for a total of $3,000.

“Hintgen is grateful for the ongoing support and generosity from Dairyland Power Cooperative,” said Principal Amy Oliver. “The donation makes a real-time difference, helping to ensure ongoing free snacks at school this year to fuel our students and aid in the focus on learning.” 

Nearly 75% (230 children) of Hintgen’s student population qualify for Free and Reduced meals, due to their household income level. (The state average is 42% per school.) Based on the needs of the student population, Hintgen also qualifies as a “certified free school” for breakfast and lunch. Students also need a daily snack, which carries an annual cost of over $13,000 for the school. 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.

“Dairyland’s partnership with our neighborhood school allows us to put cooperative principles in action 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. Dairyland is fortunate to play a role in helping alleviate hunger at Hintgen.”

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.