A school district in Kansas says an anonymous donor gave $15,432 — enough to erase every outstanding balance tied to unpaid student lunches.
Winfield Unified School District 465 shared the update in a statement, saying Superintendent Tricia Reiser announced the donation during a board of education meeting on Monday, Jan. 12.
“This generous gift directly supports our families and ensures that students can focus on learning without the burden of meal debt,” Reiser said. “We are incredibly grateful.”
District officials said 1,136 students qualify for free or reduced-price meals based on household income, accounting for more than half of the district’s total enrollment.
The donation, the district noted, “specifically impacts approximately 450 students who were carrying meal debt.” Officials added that in some cases the balances “may have accrued prior to a student qualifying for free or reduced meals.”
Elizabeth Smith, the district’s business manager and board of education treasurer, said families will now see negative balances removed from student meal accounts, allowing the spring semester to start with a clean slate.
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Smith called the contribution “truly a blessing,” adding that staff members are thankful to “the person who chose to help our students and families in such a meaningful way.”
She also emphasized that students will still be able to receive meals moving forward.
“Every student in the district regardless of whether or not they have a negative balance has the opportunity to be provided a meal; possibly an alternative meal depending on the grade level,” Smith said. “We want to ensure every student is fed.”
The district encouraged eligible families to apply for free or reduced-price meals and thanked the donor for supporting local students.
They added, “USD 465 extends its heartfelt gratitude to the anonymous donor for their compassion and commitment to supporting students and families in the Winfield community.”
