Students at Olmsted Elementary School in Urbandale, Iowa, have easier access to nutrition with the opening of a food pantry at their school through a partnership between Hy-Vee and the Food Bank of Iowa.
Leaders from the retailer, food bank and the Urbandale Community School District celebrated the opening Dec. 8 with a ribbon-cutting, all-school assembly and tours of the pantry. 
Jeremy Gosch, chairman of the board and CEO of Hy-Vee, said the pantry represents Hy-Vee’s commitment to expanding food access in the communities it serves.
“Hy-Vee is proud to be a leader in the important mission of fighting child hunger,” Gosch said. “The food pantry at Olmsted Elementary School will remove a barrier for families struggling to put food on the table and help students perform their best in the classroom.”
Tami Nielsen, CEO of Food Bank of Iowa, said Hy-Vee’s support of the school pantry program means a brighter future for children and stronger communities.
“Generous sponsors like Hy-Vee help Food Bank of Iowa keep pantries stocked so families can shop with dignity in a safe, familiar environment that meets them where they are,” Nielsen said.
This is the second school pantry Hy-Vee has opened this year with Feeding America food banks, and more in-school pantries planned.
For more than 15 years, Hy-Vee has worked with Feeding America and its network, providing more than 155 million meals for those in need. The West Des Moines, Iowa-based company operates more than 285 retail stores across eight Midwestern states.
The grocer has been recognized as a Visionary Partner by Feeding America, the highest level of recognition possible.
Hy-Vee’s food-relief efforts also include a food rescue program, annual Hams for the Holidays initiative, meal giveaway events, school backpack programs and disaster response efforts.
[RELATED: Hy-Vee Donates $125K To Help Feed Families]