Molina Healthcare of Iowa Donates $5,000 to Support Elementary School Food Pantry
06/04/2024
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa, May 31, 2024 – Molina Healthcare of Iowa (“Molina”) presented a check to the Cedar Rapids Community School District to supply the Hoover Community School’s food pantry. The $5,000 donation supports the district’s distribution of nutritious meals to families whose children attend the school or live in the surrounding community.“Molina is proud to support Hoover Community School District’s effort to feed families in a way that embraces the cultures of those they serve,” said Jennifer Vermeer, plan president for Molina Healthcare of Iowa. “Removing obstacles to a basic necessity not only improves health outcomes, but also allows students to focus on learning instead of hunger.”
Hoover Community School supports students from diverse economic and cultural backgrounds. Over 90% of students qualify for the National School Lunch Program, over 80% are students of color, and 50% receive English Language Learners services. More than 20 different languages are spoken by students and their families.
The Hoover Food Pantry serves 178 families, providing 750 meals every two weeks. Molina’s donation will help provide culturally specific foods such as live cassava leaves, palm oil, plantains, and cassava flour.
“I am so grateful for this new partnership with Molina Healthcare of Iowa and their generous donation to the Hoover Food Pantry,” said Minouche Bandubuila, Hoover Community School coordinator. "At Hoover, we strive to create a positive and welcoming school culture by building an inclusive school environment that celebrates and embraces diversity and ensures that all of our students and families feel welcome, safe, and supported. We want our food pantry to reflect that as well, and one way to do that is by providing culturally specific foods. We are so excited that Molina is helping us to make it happen.”
About Molina Healthcare of Iowa
Molina Healthcare of Iowa, Inc. serves members through its Medicaid program in Iowa. Through its locally operated health plans, Molina Healthcare, Inc., a Fortune 500 company, provides managed health care services under the Medicaid and Medicare programs, and through state insurance marketplaces. For more information about Molina Healthcare of Iowa, visit MolinaHealthcare.com.
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