Unpaid School Meal Debt in Columbia Hits New High

The Columbia Board of Education is up to it’s knees in unpaid school meal debt.

The system currently has more than $124,000 in collections, Ken Rice, who ran unsuccessfully for a Columbia school-board seat, is touting the Lunch for Learners fund, that was created in 2010 by then-Superintendent Chris Belcher and Nutrition Services Director Laina Fullum, as a way the community can help pay down the debt.

In a story posted by KMIZ, Rice said he still wants to help the district and that he and his wife are donating $250 to the fun. It was initially funded through contributions from the United Way, Columbia Public Schools Foundation, and other local organizations. The fund helps families who do not qualify for free or reduced-price meals but who are facing short-term financial hardship.

The district serves all students hot meals regardless of lunch status. The cost of a meal is $3.10 for elementary and $3.30 for middle and high school.