Title: School Lunch Debt in America Explained | Eat This Not That
Headings: School Lunch Debt in America: What It Is and How to Get and Offer Help
School Lunch Debt in America: What It Is and How to Get and Offer Help
What is school lunch debt?
How does this problem occur in the first place?
Here's how you can get help if you are affected by school lunch debt.
What are some organizations that can help?
Solutions to resolving school lunch debt.
Cheyenne Buckingham
Filed Under

Content: The budget that the federal government allocates to schools for meal programs is tight as it is. "They only get a little over $3.00 for every meal served to every student and that has to cover all of the costs, not just the food but all of the labor, equipment, and supplies, so there's not really funding available to cover that debt, even if they were allowed to use federal funds," says Pratt-Heavner. If school district funds cannot cover the debt, the school then turns to charitable organizations for assistance. How does this problem occur in the first place? A child may not receive lunch at a reduced price or for free for a variety of reasons. For example, parents may not be informed about the options that are available to them. For a child to receive free and reduced-price lunches, parents have to fill out an application to see if they qualify. Parents also have to reapply annually to keep receiving coverage on school lunch funds. Children who come from families with an annual income at or below 130 percent of the poverty level are eligible for free meals at school. For the 2019-20 school year, 130 percent of the poverty level is $33,475 for a family of four, according to SNA.