DYER BROOK, Maine — Southern Aroostook Community School students who had a running school lunch bill prior to classes shifting online will see their tabs erased thanks to a non-profit group.
RSU 50 Food Service Director Gayle Glidden said Tuesday, April 28, that her district was recently notified it received $18,000 from the School Lunch Fairy, a charity organization created to help pay off unpaid lunch bills for students.
Glidden applied for the funds earlier this spring, according to Superintendent Jon Porter. The $18,000 award will wipe out all student debts accumulated over the years at RSU 50, not just this current school year.
“Any student account that had an unpaid balance as of April 27 has now been paid,” Glidden said. “In the fall, all RSU 50 students will have a 0.00 balance on their lunch bill or a ‘clean slate.’ This is a tremendous gift to our school and community.”
The School Lunch Fairy organization was started by two high school students whose mission is that no kids should go hungry at school. The national organization collects money through online donations and then distributes that money to help school districts that have debt from unpaid lunch accounts.
All individuals, whose bill has been paid off, will receive a notice from the RSU 50 Food Service Program letting them know about the change in their child’s account, Glidden added.
She noted that starting in the fall of 2020, parents will be expected to begin paying for their child’s lunch, unless their child qualifies for the free and reduced lunch program.
“Parents are encouraged to fill out the application form in the fall,” Glidden said. “If you have any questions or need assistance completing the form, please contact the school.”
RSU 50 will be organizing a fundraiser in the fall to benefit the School Lunch Fairy Program, according to the superintendent. “The money we raise will be a small token of our appreciation for the $18,000 donated to our school community,” Porter said.
