School lunch debt has become a constant stressor for some families in Prince George’s County.
Across the county, parents owe more than $1 million in debt from unpaid school lunches, according to a county news report. That’s why District 5 council member Shayla Adams-Stafford decided to pay off $60,000 in school lunch debt in her district.
The council member paid off the debt through a local charitable organization called the Excellence in Education for PGCPS fund, according to a Sept. 3 county news release. The money covers the debt from all schools in her district, she said.
“For some students, lunch at schools could be the only meal that they eat for the day,” Adams-Stafford said. “So for me, it was really important to tackle food insecurity in this way.”
As a mother of three children under the age of 6, Adams-Stafford said she believes no child or family should feel the shame in not being able to afford school lunch.
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About 70 percent of students in Prince George’s County qualify for free or reduced lunch, according to the county report. Many of the remaining students are slightly above the qualification, which makes it difficult for them to afford lunch, the report stated.
Adams-Stafford said the Prince George’s Council has a sponsorship program where it financially partners with organizations, which is how it partnered with the Excellence in Education Foundation for PGCPS. She hopes to grow the foundation into an endowment that can pay off lunch debt every single year, she added.
Pamela Adams, the principal of Thomas G. Pullen K-8 Creative and Performing Arts School, said this donation eases a burden on the parents and allows them to worry less.
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“It makes a difference for the families and ensures that children can focus on their education without the stress of financial burdens,” Adams said.
Adams added she was not told that the debt was covered and instead saw the information on the news last week. She plans to let the parents know and show the school’s appreciation for Adams-Stafford.
“We really and truly appreciate the council woman for doing this,” Adams said. “We truly do, we will make sure that we show our appreciation.”
Excellence in Education Foundation for PGCPS executive director Thea Wilson wrote in a statement to The Diamondback that Adams-Stafford understands the unique needs of the school district and the community.
“The generous donation to cover the student lunch debt in District 5 does more than just pay for meals; it restores dignity for students and their families who struggle to afford lunch every day,” the statement read. “It also boosts confidence in community leaders.”
