Heather Curtis
WMAL.com
WASHINGTON (WMAL) – Kids in Loudoun County Schools owe the school system $20,000 for unpaid meal bills. An effort is now underway to raise enough money in donations to pay off that debt.
“While Loudoun is considered the richest county in the United States, there are folks who need help, and I thought it was a great match to work with our local school system to help those who may need some assistance,” said former mayor of Purcellville Bob Lazaro.
Lazaro and another parent talked to the school system’s nutrition services director Dr. Becky Domokos-Bays, and she welcomed the help. Now through the end of April the Loudoun Education Foundation is accepting donations.
According to the application for free or reduced lunch for the current school year on the school system’s website, kids who come from a family of four with a yearly income of $45,510 or less qualify for free or reduced lunches under federal guidelines. Lazaro said some families make too much to get the assistance, but still struggle financially.
Breakfast at Loudoun County Schools costs $2.10. Lunch is $3.05 for elementary school kids and $3.15 for secondary school students according to the school system’s website.
This is the second year the fundraiser is being held. Last year enough money was raised to eliminate $13,000 in student meal debt, and there was $4,000 left over to put toward this year’s effort.
Donations can be made online at loudouneducationfoundation.org/generaldonation.html.
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