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Child drinking from water bottle

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.

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. Access to an online Rethink Your Drink educational kit is also provided to assist in educating your school on the importance of drinking water.

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, Iowa Department of Education, and Central Sales, Inc. 

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.