Students at Olmsted Elementary School in Urbandale, Iowa, now have easier access to nutrition with the opening of a food pantry at their school through a partnership between Hy-Vee and Food Bank of Iowa.
Leaders from Hy-Vee, Food Bank of Iowa and the Urbandale Community School District celebrated the opening Dec. 8 with a ribbon-cutting event, all-school assembly and tours of the new pantry. 
Jeremy Gosch, chairman of the board and CEO of Hy-Vee, attended the event and 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 partnering with Feeding America food banks, with more in-school pantries planned.
For more than 15 years, Hy-Vee has worked with Feeding America and its network of food banks, 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, which is the highest level of recognition possible. Hy-Vee’s food relief efforts also include its food rescue program, annual Hams for the Holidays initiative, meal giveaway events in underserved communities, school backpack programs and disaster response efforts.
[RELATED: Hy-Vee Donates $125K To Help Feed Families]