Last year, 34,000 traditional school lunches were exchanged for alternative meals and given to students whose lunch account balances were negative $10 or more. The replacement readily identifies the student to peers as not being able to buy lunch.

The Foundation supports a program that would allow students to receive the lunch of their choice, and also would work with parents to: a) explain the importance of nutrition in academic achievement; b) help the parent to apply for Free and Reduced-priced Meal  System (FARMS) if the family qualifies; c) work with parents who do not qualify for free meals to make a contribution within their means toward the negative account balance.

To support this program, donate online, or on your cell phone (text DINE to 301-329-2238).