North Texas school district asks the public to help to pay down its students’ lunch debts
The Keller school district is asking for the community’s help to cover the costs of students’ unpaid lunch account balances.
There are two websites where the public can send money — one is from the Keller school district, and the other is the nonprofit children’s charity Community Storehouse, which is partnering with Keller ISD.
The district said in an email to the Star-Telegram that during this school year, there is over $37,000 in unpaid lunch account debts.
“Last year, we paid $62,000 to pay off outstanding lunch balances and the year before it was $67,000,” according to the school district’s email.
Last week, parents received an email that said starting Oct. 21, students with lunch account balances of $25 or more would have an alternative meal of a SunButter and jelly sandwich for breakfast and a turkey and cheese sandwich for lunch served with fruit and chocolate or white milk, which is optional.
SunButter is a spread made from sunflower seeds that is an alternative to peanut butter for those with allergies.
Any student can purchase the alternative meal, not just those with an excessive meal balance, according to the school district.
Last year, there were over 11,000 students who applied and qualified for free/reduced meals, which represented about a third of the district’s 33,000 students.
“Keller ISD has always been committed to ensuring that all students have access to nutritious foods. School meals are one of the most important school supplies; when kids feel better, they do better.
This story was originally published October 16, 2024 at 8:35 AM.