Empowering young entrepreneurs through The Great Food Truck Race financial wellness program
March 31, 2025
Council Bluffs, IA, April 1, 2025- TS Bank believes in the power of financial wellness and entrepreneurship to shape the future of our community. In celebration of national financial literacy month, one of these innovative initiatives includes the Great Food Truck Race, which is designed to teach third-grade students the importance of having a household budget while introducing them to the entrepreneurial mindset. Participating schools included Treynor Elementary and Rue, Fraklin and College View Elementary with the Council Bluffs Community School District including 11 classroom visits.
The Great Food Truck Race is more than just a competition; it's an educational journey where students design their own food trucks and learn the fundamentals of budgeting and business. The winning designs receive a cash prize of $5 to kickstart their savings, fostering a sense of financial responsibility from a young age.
In addition to its in-school banking programs, TS Bank is committed to promoting financial wellness through engaging and hands-on experiences. This program immerses students in a money-smart curriculum and entrepreneurship, culminating in a friendly competition where they create and market their own food trucks.
“It's inspiring to see students embrace the opportunity to become entrepreneurs, showcasing their creativity and problem-solving skills in a real-world setting. Students are excited to learn ways they can be money smart savers," said Traci Dresher, TS Bank Programs Manager. “The more students learn how to manage money; they build on that knowledge and make money work for them today and in the future.”
The Food Truck Race project helps instill financial responsibility and entrepreneurial spirit. They take ownership of their projects and thrive, making the experience both educational and fun. The program not only helps foster new business ventures but also creates one-of-a-kind keepsakes for students to take home and share these valuable lessons with their family members.
TS Bank is proud to support initiatives like the Great Food Truck Race that empower youth and prepare them for a financially responsible future. This year’s innovative designs set the bar high again for the entrepreneurial spirit of our local students.
Financial wellness programming is made possible by TS Bank's mission to reinvest 10 percent of its pre-tax income back into the community. The launch of formal financial wellness programming began in 2009 to collaborate with school districts in grades K-12 to promote knowledge to make sound financial decisions and has expanded to adult education as well.
To learn more about our mission, visit tsbank.com/about/our-mission.
At TS Bank, we IGNITE PROSPERITY® by helping our clients do more with their money. Whether it’s saving a little extra cash each month or accomplishing a long-term strategy, our goal is to help you transform your financial life. Call and schedule an appointment today, one of our team members would love to help you do more with your money at TS Bank. TS Bank has eight locations in central and southwest Iowa. For more information visit tsbank.com or call 844-487-3030. #igniteprosperity