The Power-Up Kidz Sack food program is exclusive to Pueblo Cooperative Care Center and Pueblo County. Good nutrition is important to all individuals and especially important in the earlier years of a child’s life. Proper nutrition helps to establish a good foundation and has implications on children including physical development, mental health and increased academic performance and achievement. Food insecurity in Pueblo County is an obstacle that can threaten a child’s foundation. In Pueblo County it is estimated that one in five children face hunger. Pueblo Cooperative Care Center reaches into over 20% of Pueblo County households, many which include families with children under the age of 18 years old. These are vulnerable populations and Pueblo Cooperative Care Center remains dedicated to the Power-Up Kidz Sack program to improve the lives of children who are challenged and struggling with hunger.

The Power-Up Kidz Sack program is designed to supplement nutritional needs and address nourishment deficiencies. Power-Up Kidz Sacks provide healthy snacks and nonperishable foods for children when they are not enrolled in school programs or when meals just aren’t available. Children can take these items home and are never charged for their contents. Recipients of the Power-Up Kidz Sack received healthy and nutritious foods and snacks along with a new toothbrush to supplement their average daily nutritional intake and to improve oral hygiene. Power-Up Kidz Sacks typically include items such as assorted juices, peanut butter, macaroni and cheese dinners, assorted granola bars, variety cheese and crackers, cookies, applesauce cups, fruit snacks, soup, bottled water and occasionally a restaurant coupon donated by a local business owner. Every Power-Up Kidz Sack comes in a carry bag with donor acknowledgement and sack contents do vary based on available resources and program funding.