(Credit: Manor Independent School District)
Manor ISD is kicking off a brand new new donation-driven program at all schools that charge for lunch as a new way to counter the growing school lunch debt problem.
Effective today, Friday, December 6, 2019, all MISD campuses that charge for lunch will have their own “Lunch Buddy” account. Donations were made out to MISD by generous parents and community members interested in eliminating the $1,500 lunch debt in the district. With the Lunch Buddy system, any student that has a negative balance can still enjoy a tray of food, and money will be taken out from that account. Parents will still be responsible for any negative balances; however, children will not be impacted.
“It takes a donation to get every school started, and as soon as we receive that money from the public, we will apply it to the school that they request,” said Manor ISD Director of Food Services George Townsend.
The program was piloted at ShadowGlen Elementary in November of 2019. SGE parents and community members raised more than $700, and the account still has $315 left. Manor ISD encourages the public to keep donating, as the district will have to return to its policy once funds run out. Under the current policy, students are allowed two free meals once their balance runs out. After that, students are then given a sandwich and milk.
“We are incredibly thankful to our community for taking the lead and setting the bar to help address this national issue,” said Manor ISD Superintendent Dr. Royce Avery. “Manor ISD prides itself in thinking outside the box in ensuring the very best educational experience for our children, and providing full, healthy meals is a major component in reaching our goals.”
This program will not include Decker Elementary, Manor Elementary Early Learning Center, Presidential Meadows Elementary and Manor Excel Academy. Those campuses qualified for free breakfast and lunch for all students prior to the start of school.
