Dec. 11, 2022
In just the first few months of the school year, student meal debt across districts in North Carolina has exceeded $1 million. "So many families really came to rely during the pandemic on free meals for their kids to keep the family well-fed and students ready to learn," said Diane Pratt-Heavner, director of media relations for the School Nutrition Association. "So, it's a real shame to lose this benefit, particularly at a time when so many families are struggling with higher costs."