Tired of seeing kids face lunch shaming, a dedicated dad from Seattle has rallied the community to raise over $23,000 to clear the lunch debt for local students. In a staggering 75% of school districts across the U.S., many children rely on their schools for meals due to their families’ financial struggles. In Seattle alone, 36% of public school students qualify for free or reduced-price lunches. While kids still receive meals, they’re often left with a debt that their parents are later billed for.
“I was heartbroken to hear stories of kids having their lunches thrown away in front of their peers,” shared Mark Thompson, who took action by launching a GoFundMe campaign to wipe out the outstanding debt for all students. “Some kids even had to do chores just to cover their lunch bills. No child should ever go hungry because their family is struggling financially.”
Beyond the hunger issue, many children feel the weight of stigma attached to participating in meal programs. In some districts, students have had their lunches replaced with a meager brown bag containing a cold cheese sandwich and a carton of milk, leading to teasing from classmates. “Kids can be pretty mean,” Thompson noted. “When one kid is eating a hot meal and another is stuck with a sad brown bag, it can lead to harsh comments about being poor.”
Before high school, I attended a private school through a scholarship, and hot lunches were a luxury my family couldn’t afford. I remember the endless questions about why I didn’t get the same meals as everyone else. “No child should ever feel ashamed for not having enough money,” Thompson emphasized. “Everyone deserves to eat a proper meal.”
Initially, his ambition was to clear the lunch debt at his child’s school, a modest $97.10. But as a parent and Seattle Public Schools alum, he wanted to alleviate the financial burden on families and ensure every child enjoys a nutritious meal at school. His efforts led him to discover Seattle Public Schools’ total lunch debt was $20,531.79, a goal he surpassed through community support. As of Tuesday night, Thompson had raised $23,738 and even set his sights on helping kids in the Renton and Tacoma school districts. His initiative inspired a friend, Rachel Adams, to launch her own campaign for the Everett School District, also outside Seattle.
“The community’s response has been incredibly encouraging,” Thompson said. “We all came together for an important cause!”
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Summary
A Seattle dad, Mark Thompson, has raised over $23,000 to eliminate lunch debt in local schools, advocating for children’s right to nutritious meals without stigma. His efforts have inspired further campaigns, creating a wave of community support.