Community Steps Up to Pay Local Student Meal Debt
negative account balances average $1,000 per month during school year in E.C.
It’s no secret that folks across the country have felt the strain on their pocketbooks over the last several years, and that extends to our local schools too. Perhaps one of the most clear – and tough – manifestations can be found in the lunchroom, specifically in the form of negative student meal account balances.
During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Eau Claire Area School District provided free breakfast and lunch to all of its more than 11,000 students across 12 elementary schools, three middle schools, two high schools, and two charter schools. When that program ended after about two years, student meal debt was inevitable.
“We saw a significant increase in outstanding debt once the free breakfast and lunch for all students provided during the pandemic ended,” said ECASD Food and Nutrition Director, Lisa Smith. “Over the past five years, our Food and Nutrition Program has maintained student meal prices without increase. However, food and supply costs have increased significantly.”
On average, negative student meal balances total about $1,000 per month during the school year. (Student breakfast and lunch costs roughly $1-$3, with the option to purchase a la carte food.) Thankfully, the Chippewa Valley has risen to to the occasion time and time again to support students, with the school district using community donations to help pay for student meal debt.
“We consistently receive donations from community organizations, local business, and individuals which help pay down negative account balances,” Smith said.
Heading into the new school year, the district has zero outstanding student debt thanks to gracious community donations, Food and Nutrition financial secretary Jennifer Robbins said.
Anyone interested in donating to the ECASD School Meal Help Fund should contact the Food and Nutrition Department at schoolnutrition@ecasd.us. Staff will help complete the donation form and gather information necessary to honor the donation request.
Learn more about the ECASD Food and Nutrition Program online.