When Congress did not renew a program that covered the cost of school meals or all students during the pandemic, the termination delivered a burden to Utah families.

As of April 2023, The Salt Lake Tribune reported that right here in our beautiful state of Utah, students have accumulated an astonishing $1.7 million in school lunch debt. And with the rate of cost of living increases this year, it is predicted the number could surpass $2 million this school year.

Though students are not denied a meal if they do not pay, the debt will follow them through their school career. Besides possible late fees tacked on, a student may not receive their diploma if the negative balance is not resolved.

Current economic struggles amid raising costs for rent and everyday essentials could be the main culprit. According to the Utah Food Bank website,

"Childhood hunger as a hidden educational barrier has far-reaching consequences on students’ academic performance and overall well-being. Hunger affects cognitive abilities, concentration, memory, and problem-solving skills. A hungry child may find it challenging to focus in class, leading to a decline in academic achievements and potentially widening the achievement gap between low-income and more affluent students."

Children unable to afford a proper meal are defined as being food-insecure; they lack reliable access to food. Many of those children who owe school meal debt are part of families who earn too much to be considered for free or reduced lunch, but also earn too little to afford regular school meals.

Do we look the other way, or do we open our hearts to make a change? By coming together as a community and state, we can provide the support needed to erase this growing debt and nourish the futures of our students.

As caring, community-minded neighbors, it's up to us to join hands and put a stop to hunger in schools. We have the power to make a difference, one meal at a time.

No Negative Lunch Balances

By Feed the Kids Foundation

No Negative Lunch Balances

Help us raise $2 million to wipe out negative lunch debt for the '23/'24 school year!