abc-logo
Taking care of your Loved One Is What We Do BEST!

It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.

phone-number877-292-2126 lm-right-arrow

Please submit form to schedule a

Personal Care Consultation

Local Magic Personal Care Consultation

Please submit this form below and we will chat shortly!

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
SUBMIT REQUEST

Home Care In Waukee, IA

Home Care Waukee, IA

They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.

Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.

Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Waukee, IA is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

In-Home Care Waukee, IA

care-serviceHome Care Services

location Service Areas

Read More
Elderly Care Waukee, IA Request More Information vector

The Always Best Care Difference

Since 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.

Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.

The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.

Hear from Our Clients
Elderly Care for Coreline I.
551
Google

“Tracey Gray helped me in the biggest way today! She saved my day and I”

Tracey Gray helped me in the biggest way today! She saved my day and I am so thankful for her choice to help me! Thank you! #CertPrint #AlwaysBestCare
Read full testimonial
Hear from Our Clients
Elderly Care for James T.
551
Google

“Always best care provided excellent caregivers to us. I am really happy with the care”

Always best care provided excellent caregivers to us. I am really happy with the care and support they provided to my father. Highly recommended to all!
Read full testimonial
Hear from Our Clients
In-home Care for Michael H.
551
Google

“On behalf of my family, I would like to thank Always Best care for all”

On behalf of my family, I would like to thank Always Best care for all the support your caregivers have provided to my mother. She was very pleased with the care she received. I confidently recommend Always Best Care to all.
Read full testimonial
Hear from Our Clients
Senior Care for Melanie S.
551
Google

“Always Best Care in Cedar Valley IA realy helps me a lot. They have Reliable”

Always Best Care in Cedar Valley IA realy helps me a lot. They have Reliable Caregivers who helped me to take care of my loved one for several years. They are highly trained and managed well the daily routines and activities like bathing and dressing. Caregivers of always best care is dependable and passionate to their work. I am satisfied and so glad that I chose their service. Highly recommend whoever needs their caregiving service!
Read full testimonial
×
TESTIMONIALS

“Tracey Gray helped me in the biggest way today! She saved my day and I am so thankful for her choice to help me! Thank you! #CertPrint #AlwaysBestCare”

Coreline I.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“Always best care provided excellent caregivers to us. I am really happy with the care and support they provided to my father. Highly recommended to all!”

James T.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“On behalf of my family, I would like to thank Always Best care for all the support your caregivers have provided to my mother. She was very pleased with the care she received. I confidently recommend Always Best Care to all.”

Michael H.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“Always Best Care in Cedar Valley IA realy helps me a lot. They have Reliable Caregivers who helped me to take care of my loved one for several years. They are highly trained and managed well the daily routines and activities like bathing and dressing. Caregivers of always best care is dependable and passionate to their work. I am satisfied and so glad that I chose their service. Highly recommend whoever needs their caregiving service!”

Melanie S.

What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Waukee, IA?

lm-check

Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.

lm-check

When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.

lm-check

The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.

lm-check

At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.

Request More Information
Senior Care Waukee, IA

Types of Elderly Care in Waukee, IA

To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:

Personal Care

Personal Care Services

If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.

Common personal care services include assistance with:

  • Eating
  • Mobility Issues
  • Incontinence
  • Bathing
  • Dressing
  • Grooming
Request More Information
Respite Care Waukee, IA
Home Helper

Home Helper Services

Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.

Common home helper care services include assistance with:

  • Medication Reminders
  • Meal Preparation
  • Pet Care
  • Prescription Refills
  • Morning Wake-Up
  • Walking
  • Reading
Request More Information
Caregivers Waukee, IA
Companionship Services

Companionship Services

Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors.

Common companionship services include:

  • Grocery Shopping
  • Transportation to Appointments
  • Nutritional Assistance
  • Conversation
  • Planning Outings
  • Completing Errands
  • Transportation to Community
  • Events and Social Outings
Request More Information
Home Care Waukee, IA
Respite Care

Respite Care Services

According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.

At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.

If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.

Request More Information
In-Home Care Waukee, IA

Benefits of Home Care in Waukee, IA

Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:

Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.

Request More Information vector

Aging in Place: The Preferred Choice for Most Seniors

While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.

In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.

Here are just a few of the reasons why older men and women prefer to age at home:

How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?

A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.

With the help of elderly care in Waukee, IA, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.

Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.

Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.

For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.

More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.

In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.

With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.

Elderly Care Waukee, IA

Affordable Care

In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.

Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.

At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.

In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:

If your loved one qualifies, Medicaid may help reduce in-home care costs. Review your IA's Medicaid program laws and benefits, and make sure your senior's financial and medical needs meet Medicaid eligibility requirements.
Attendance and aid benefits through military service can cover a portion of the costs associated with in-home care for veterans and their spouses.
Many senior care services like in-home care are included in long-term care insurance options. Research different long-term care solutions to find a plan that provides coverage for senior care.
Home care can be included as part of a senior's private insurance plan. Read over your loved one's insurance policy carefully or speak with their insurance provider to determine if in-home care is covered.
Depending on the life insurance plan, you may be able to apply your policy toward long-term care. You may be able to use long-term-care coverage to help pay for in-home elderly care.
Senior Care Waukee, IA

Compassionate Care. Trusted Caregivers.

When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.

Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.

At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Waukee, IA understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.

Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.

Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.

Assisted Living Referral Services

While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.

Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.

Respite Care Waukee, IA

At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.

Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:

  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Recreational Activities
  • Social Outings
  • Emergency Medical Response
  • Medication Monitoring
  • Family Visitation
  • Personal Care
Caregivers Waukee, IA

At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.

Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.

Home Care Waukee, IA

For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.

In-Home Care Waukee, IA

Taking the First Step with Always Best Care

The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:

A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way

lm-right-arrow
01

A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive

lm-right-arrow
02

Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider

lm-right-arrow
03

Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.

If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.

At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Waukee, IA 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.

When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.

Request More Information vector
Elderly Care Waukee, IA

Latest News in Waukee, IA

Wellness In 2026: Where To Sweat, Stretch & Recharge In Waukee

Start the year feeling stronger & more balanced with a look at local spots offering everything from energizing workouts to calming escapes.A new year always feels like a reset — a moment to shake off the old routine and lean into what makes you feel strong, centered and refreshed. Lucky for us, Waukee and the communities nearby offer plenty of gyms, studios and wellness spaces ready to help you move, unwind and recharge in 2026.Patch and T-Mobile have partnered to spotlight some of the local places helping residents...

Start the year feeling stronger & more balanced with a look at local spots offering everything from energizing workouts to calming escapes.

A new year always feels like a reset — a moment to shake off the old routine and lean into what makes you feel strong, centered and refreshed. Lucky for us, Waukee and the communities nearby offer plenty of gyms, studios and wellness spaces ready to help you move, unwind and recharge in 2026.

Patch and T-Mobile have partnered to spotlight some of the local places helping residents feel their best this season. We rounded up a few to explore — just be sure to confirm hours and offerings before you go.

???? When: Gym open 24 hours to members. See website for team training schedule.???? Where: 735 SE Alice’s Rd, Waukee, IA 50263???? More info: Click here

???? When: Open for appointments Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 to 4:30 p.m.???? Where: 14225 University Ave Suite 225, Waukee, IA 50263???? More info: Click here

???? When: Classes offered 7 days a week. Hours vary by day. See website for class schedule and registration.???? Where: 9250 University Ave, Ste. 105, West Des Moines, IA 50266???? More info: Click here

???? When: Gym open 24 hours for members. See website for group class schedule.???? Where: 1500 NW Gettysburg Ln Suite 100, Waukee, IA 50263???? More info: Click here

???? When: Classes offered 7 days a week. Hours vary by day. See website for class schedule and registration.???? Where: 724 SE Alice's Rd, Waukee, IA 50263???? More info: Click here

???? When: Open 7 days a week. Hours vary by day. Online booking available. ???? Where: 505 E Hickman Rd, Ste 140, Waukee, IA 50263???? More info: Click here

???? When: Open for appointments Monday through Friday. Hours vary by day. Online booking available.???? Where: 710 SE Alice's Rd, Waukee, IA 50263???? More info: Click here

???? When: Classes offered Sunday through Thursday. Hours vary by day. See website for class schedule and registration.???? Where: 1040 SE Frontier Ave, Ste 130, Waukee, IA 50263???? More info: Click here

???? When: Classes and private sessions offered 7 days a week. Hours vary by day. See website for class schedule and registration.???? Where: 1176 SE University Ave, Waukee, IA 50263???? More info: Click here

???? When: Open for appointments 7 days a week, 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Online booking available.???? Where: 206 W Hickman Rd, Waukee, IA 50263???? More info: Click here

Wishing you a grounded, energized start to the year — and plenty of moments that feel good.

This content is brought to our community in partnership with T-Mobile.

Iowa School Performance Profile District Rankings Released

Today, the Iowa Department of Education released the first-ever Iowa School Performance Profile (ISPP) rankings for public school districts. We want to share our results and provide important context about how they are calculated.Understanding the ISPPThe ISPP district rankings use the same core indicators as the school-level ISPP rankings, including state assessments, graduation rates, and chronic absenteeism. Together, these measures provide an index score and a rating category for each public school district.This ye...

Today, the Iowa Department of Education released the first-ever Iowa School Performance Profile (ISPP) rankings for public school districts. We want to share our results and provide important context about how they are calculated.

Understanding the ISPP

The ISPP district rankings use the same core indicators as the school-level ISPP rankings, including state assessments, graduation rates, and chronic absenteeism. Together, these measures provide an index score and a rating category for each public school district.

This year marks the first time districts have been evaluated as a whole, rather than just individual schools. Each district is treated as if it were one school, with all K–12 students combined into a single student body.

Waukee CSD Ratings

Waukee Community School District earned a 67.66% score, which falls within the Commendable category. However, due to a “category drop,” we were placed in the Acceptable category.

A district automatically drops one full category — regardless of its overall score — if a specific student group falls below a state-set threshold. For Waukee CSD, our students with disabilities earned a score of 41.55, which was less than one point away from avoiding the category drop (out of 900 possible points).

Highlights to Celebrate

Despite the category drop, there is much to be proud of. Waukee CSD outperformed the state average in 12 of the 16 areas. Highlights include:

Additionally, Waukee CSD earned the highest score among the five largest districts in Iowa, and we’re second highest among the 10 largest districts.

Opportunities for Improvement

The ISPP also highlights areas where we are already taking action:

Looking Beyond Rankings

We are proud of the incredible work happening every day across Waukee CSD. The ISPP provides one snapshot of district performance — but it does not define who we are.

Waukee CSD continues to be the district of choice, and here are some 2025 highlights that show why:

Thank You for Your Support

Balancing transparency with celebration is important. While we recognize areas where improvement is needed, we also know there are many reasons to be proud.

We are grateful for the students, staff, and community who make Waukee CSD exceptional. Rankings like the ISPP offer one lens — but the everyday successes across our District tell the real story: a commitment to providing an excellent education for all students.

To see the full rankings, visit the ISPP website.

Versatile defensive back flips commitment from North Dakota to Minnesota

Waukee, Iowa native Tavian White was verbally committed to North Dakota since May 8, but he flipped that decision to Minnesota on Saturday night, after taking a visit to the school over the weekend. He's now expected to sign with the Gophers 2026 class."ROW THE BOAT ?????????? 110% Committed Isaiah 43:19," he posted on X.Standing 6-foot, 175 pounds, White played free safety, cornerback and strong safety, along with wide receiver for Waukee High School as a senior. He accumulated 30 total tackles in seven games. He's a...

Waukee, Iowa native Tavian White was verbally committed to North Dakota since May 8, but he flipped that decision to Minnesota on Saturday night, after taking a visit to the school over the weekend. He's now expected to sign with the Gophers 2026 class.

"ROW THE BOAT ?????????? 110% Committed Isaiah 43:19," he posted on X.

Standing 6-foot, 175 pounds, White played free safety, cornerback and strong safety, along with wide receiver for Waukee High School as a senior. He accumulated 30 total tackles in seven games. He's also an impressive track athlete.

White is currently unranked by 247Sports. He held other scholarship offers from Western Illinois, Lindenwood, Northern Iowa and Minnesota State Mankato, according to the site. He's now the 30th high schooler verbally committed to the Gophers 2026 recruited class, before the early national signing period begins next week on Wednesday, December 3.

Minnesota's 2026 class currently ranked as the 25th-best in the country, according to 247Sports, as of Sunday.

Updated 2026 recruiting class: 30 verbal commitments

More from Gophers On SI

Waukee School District seeking donations to offset over $60,000 in negative meal account balances

CLIVE, Iowa —Amy A'Hern, the nutrition director for the Waukee Community School District, made it clear: no child in need of a school lunch will be turned away.In an interview with KCCI, she explained that the demand is there: over 20% of the district's students qualify for free or reduced-price meals. That's approximately 3,000 kids.But while the meals will remain a certainty, she said the uncertainty comes from whether the cost of said meals will be paid."When I pulled it, we were jus...

CLIVE, Iowa —

Amy A'Hern, the nutrition director for the Waukee Community School District, made it clear: no child in need of a school lunch will be turned away.

In an interview with KCCI, she explained that the demand is there: over 20% of the district's students qualify for free or reduced-price meals. That's approximately 3,000 kids.

But while the meals will remain a certainty, she said the uncertainty comes from whether the cost of said meals will be paid.

"When I pulled it, we were just over $66,000 negative," A'Hern said of this year's numbers. "That's about double from last year."

The district's free or reduced-cost meals are funded by the National School Lunch Program, but those federal dollars can only be used to provide meals. Per Iowa Code, they can't be used to cover meal account balances.

Those negative balances vary from student to student, with some owing less than a dollar and others owing more than $1,000. She even knows of students who have since graduated from the district who still have a negative meal account balance.

She doesn't believe the recent government shutdown had a huge impact on the total owed, since it's been growing as the district has. But she does believe the high cost of living makes it harder for families to catch up.

"Many are deciding, 'Do I pay this?' Or, 'Do I, you know, pay for rent? Get food for my children at my house?'" A'Hern said.

That's where the district's Feed the Future program comes in.

Since December 2023, individuals and businesses can donate to help take care of that debt. Since its inception, it's raised over $17,000.

"If we can use some of it to cut back and make those balances smaller, it might be something more attainable for those families," A'Hern said.

And it's not just Waukee seeing negative meal account balances. Several districts in the area have similar programs that allow community donors to chip in. You can find more information on how to donate below.

Waukee Community School District

Donate here or send a check to the Waukee School District, Attn: Feed the Future, 560 SE University Ave, Waukee, IA, 50263

Urbandale Community School District

Donate to the Food Service Angel Fund here.

Southeast Polk Community School District

Donate here.

Ankeny Community School District

More information on the district's Fill the Fund Fundraiser, which supports negative meal account balances, can be found here.

Norwalk Community School District

All donations are made out to the Nutrition Department directly. More information on how to donate can be found here.

Johnston Community School District

Donations by check can be mailed or dropped off at the District Office Nutrition Department, 6510 NW 62nd AVE, PO Box 10, Johnston, IA, 50131. Checks can be made payable to the Johnston CSD Nutrition Department.

Bondurant-Farrar Community School District

Donate via check or online here.

North Polk Community School District

Donations can be sent to the District Administrative Office at 13930 NE 6th St, Alleman, IA, 50007.

For districts not listed, A'Hern recommends reaching out directly to the school district for information.

Disclaimer:

This website publishes news articles that contain copyrighted material whose use has not been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. The non-commercial use of these news articles for the purposes of local news reporting constitutes "Fair Use" of the copyrighted materials as provided for in Section 107 of the US Copyright Law.