Students and families at Bethel Manor Elementary school can rest easy knowing that all of the school’s lunch debt has been paid by an anonymous donor.
“In a world that has a lot of stress imposed [on people], it shows that there are people who do good deeds for no recognition,” said David Reitz, the school’s principal. “Just to allow our kids to have this debt eliminated, is is definitely an act of kindness.”
Katherine Goff, spokeswoman for the York County School Division, said an individual came forward last week and paid approximately $1,900 in school lunch debt.
Goff said that helps families who have debts that ranged from $2 to the highest debt at approximately $300. While students aren’t punished for the debt and will always receive food, it lifts a weight off of parents and the school.
When a student can’t afford to pay for a lunch, Reitz said they will still receive food no matter how much debt they’ve incurred.
“What was paid off was an accumulated cost,” he said. “A few years ago the division really adjusted some of our practices with the student debt for meals because we have a commitment to make sure students receive a meal despite any balance.”
Reitz said part of the issue is that children can move away or go to another school and the debt will still be left unpaid. Goff added when this happens, the expense comes out of the food service fund which could impact the school’s ability to buy items like operational equipment for the cafeteria.
“It definitely helps the division,” she said. “Because that’s just one school, when multiple schools are operating and incur debt, it can take away from other operations.”
Reitz said one of the important aspects of school lunch debt is to make sure the children and families don’t feel pressured. He said the school has a system where they can set up a payment plan or they can create a prepaid lunch account for their student.
For some families, the cost might still be difficult, he said, so the parents might bring in $10 or $20 at a time to slowly chip away at the cost. When this happens, Reitz said the school will encourage the parents to look into applying for the free and reduced lunch program.
Goff said the donation couldn’t have come at a better time because the district’s schools are celebrating Acts of Kindness Month in October.
“We’re so appreciative of our donor and would love to recognize the individual but they elected to stay anonymous,” she said. “To have this random act of kindness, though, fit in with our theme, especially someone who wasn’t necessarily doing it for recognition.”
Reitz said the parents and school will continue to remember and feel the effects of the donation. When parents hear that their debt has been paid, he said, it will be like a fresh start.
“Some parents do struggle,” Goff said. “This donation helps to alleviate some of that stress so they can concentrate on their family and kids can concentrate on a good school day. It creates a stronger school and community relationship.”
