Iowa High School students Receive National Honors for Confronting Hunger through Social Enterprises
May 6, 2015
While just in her first year of college at American University, Maria Belding of Pella has received multiple
national awards, including the prestigious 2015 Clinton Hunger Leadership Award and the top prize for
nonprofit social venture at the 2015 George Washington University Business Plan Competition.
Working with fellow Iowans Grant Nelson of Des Moines and Kota Olson of Keswick, Maria created the award-
winning MEANS Database, an online system enabling food pantries to communicate with each other and their
donors to reduce food waste and feed more people.
Maria credits the World Food Prize education programs for providing her with inspiration, mentorship and
introductions to a diverse group of talented young people who share her enthusiasm. More information about
Maria, Kota and other young Iowans fighting hunger is available online.
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