by John Reid, Editor

Growing up in Georgia as the youngest child of four I understood that sometimes it was hard for our family to afford lunch. My parents always worked hard, but debt can become an issue during economic lean times, and there were plenty. When the debt became too much to pay to the schools, we would have to find alternative means of nourishment. There were no programs that could help families like ours back then.

Fortunately, there is an organization that is focused on helping families all over Prince William County to make sure that students do not have to miss their midday meal. Founded by Gainesville resident Adelle Settle, the program is called “Settle the Debt,” and its mission is to pay down the total debt of 20 Prince William County schools. 

Settle was recently interviewed by Fox 5 DC’s Tisha Lewis on her efforts, and as of now the non-profit organization is currently $25,000 away from its goal on paying down the cost. By doing so, they will remove the option of schools providing students who qualify for a free or reduced lunch either to have an alternative lunch or no lunch should they obtain an outstanding lunch bill. 

Several schools will see their debt paid by the end of December and put an end to lunch shaming, but if you would like to contribute please visit their site at http://www.facebook.com/SettletheDebt.