Fund Launched To Cover Fairfax County Student Lunches

MCLEAN, VA—Fairfax County Public Schools students ended the 2016-17 school year with a collective $13,000 in school lunch debts. Now the school district has launched a fund to mitigate this concern.

The school district's foundation has created a fundraising effort to help pay off debts on students' meal accounts. The first major donation was $6,000 from DC-based Viking Capital. Donors make contributions using an online form and writing in "Erase School Lunch Balance" in the "Other" selection.

“It’s wonderful to work with local community-minded organizations who identify a need and are able to make a real difference right away. The Foundation is committed to raising funds to eliminate these lunch balances, and Viking Capital has made a huge impact here," said Elizabeth Murphy, the foundation's director, in a statement.

The FCPS foundation is also a part of the Collect for Kids program, which gathers school supplies and backpacks for kids in need.

The district also has over than 50,000 children that qualify for free and reduced-price meals, according to The Washington Post. During the summer, the school district also provides free meals at a number of schools and community sites.

Image via USDA