Howard Co. Organization Pays Off Lunch Debt At Columbia School

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — Howard County Families for Education Improvement (FEI) donated $2,200 to pay off the school lunch debt for all students at Lake Elkhorn Middle School in Columbia. FEI is a grassroots organization made up of parent volunteers who advocate for all students in Howard County to have the resources and opportunities to achieve an outstanding education.

“Food insecurity and a lack of reliable access to food is a reality for many of our families,” said Melissa Shindel, principal of Lake Elkhorn Middle School, in a statement. “Meal debt can cause anxiety, depression, anger, and even school avoidance. Thanks so much to Families for Education Improvement for their donation towards our students’ lunch debt.”

Vipin Sahijwani, president of FEI, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to advocate for all students.

“FEI believes all students in the county should have the resources they need to be the best students they can be and don’t suffer from shame or distractions related to their ability to obtain adequate food to fuel their day," Sahijwani said.