Rethink Your Drink
The Rethink Your Drink program aims to get more Iowans drinking water throughout the day to support their oral and overall health by providing water bottle filling stations in Iowa schools, libraries and outdoor public/community spaces. Access to free online educational resources can be found here to assist in educating students and community members on the importance of drinking water.
The 2025 application deadline is March 3. Award notifications will be issued the week of April 21.
NEW IN 2025 - awarded locations will receive a water filling station unit provided in-kind by Delta Dental of Iowa Foundation. *All other services required for installation, such as personnel, contract services, construction permits, disposal of any pre-existing units, etc., as well as replacement filters, are the responsibility of the grant recipient.
Schools: Schools that are selected for the Rethink Your Drink program will receive a new indoor water fountain/bottle filling station.
Priority will be given to:
- Schools that have the highest rates of free and reduced price lunch and
- Schools that have one or fewer water bottle filling station installed in their building
Libraries: Iowa libraries serve as vital public health spaces by providing access to resources and information that empower and educate community members to take steps to improve their oral and overall health.
Priority will be given to:
- Libraries that do not have a water bottle filling station in their building
- have plans to incorporate public health education around drinking water vs. sugary sweetened beverages
Outdoor Stations: The Foundation is looking to provide outdoor water filling stations in Iowa communities along trails and in public parks. Priority will be given to community projects with:
- the greatest need and that demonstrate a critical access point for a variety of individuals (children, adults, older adults, underserved individuals
Rethink Your Drink is supported by the Healthiest State Initiative, Iowa HHS, Iowa Public Health Association, and the Iowa Department of Education.
Apply now.
2024 School Recipients
| School Name |
School City |
|
Aquin School
|
Cascade
|
|
Paton-Churdan Community School District
|
Churdan
|
|
Bayard Elementary - Coon Rapids Bayard School District
|
Coon Rapids
|
|
Exira-Elk Horn-Kimballton Community School District
|
Elk Horn
|
|
North Union Elementary – Fenton Campus
|
Fenton
|
|
Prairie City Monroe Middle Schools – PCM School District
|
Prairie City
|
|
Community Lutheran School – Wapsie Valley School District
|
Readlyn
|
|
Vinton-Shellsburg Middle School
|
Vinton
|
Click here to download a list of all Rethink Your Drink recipients.
2024 Outdoor Water Filling Stations Recipients
| Community Space/Park/Trail Name |
City |
|
Bellevue State Park
|
Bellevue
|
|
Franklin Grove Heritage Trail
|
Belmond
|
|
Starr’s Cave Park and Preserve
|
Burlington
|
|
Calmar Swimming Pool/Park
|
Calmar
|
|
Delaware City Park
|
Delaware
|
|
Delhi City Park
|
Delhi
|
|
East High School Track and Practice Field
|
Des Moines
|
|
Hoover High School Track and Practice Field
|
Des Moines
|
|
Lincoln High School Track and Practice Field
|
Des Moines
|
|
North High School Track and Practice Field
|
Des Moines
|
|
Merrill Middle School - Kick It Forward Partnership
|
Des Moines
|
|
Pappajohn Sculpture Park
|
Des Moines
|
|
Principal Riverwalk Park near Hub Spot
|
Des Moines
|
|
Lauridsen Skate Park/Central Place Trail
|
Des Moines
|
|
Ely Pocket Park, Old Town District
|
Ely
|
|
Fontana Park - Learning and Discovery Trail
|
Hazleton
|
|
Guthridge Park Pickleball Courts
|
Hiawatha
|
|
Hillview Recreation Area
|
Hinton
|
|
Menlo City Park & Library
|
Menlo
|
|
Ryan City Ballpark
|
Ryan
|
|
Shellsburg Memorial Park and Trail
|
Shellsburg |
|
Chautauqua Park
|
Storm Lake
|
| Seneca Park |
Storm Lake |
Click here to download a list of all Outdoor Water Filling Station recipients.