Corridor of Fame receiver Jerry Rice and his spouse, Latisha Pelayo, have donated greater than $667,000 to repay lunch debt at 103 faculties throughout the USA, a transfer that faculty officers say will raise a weight off hundreds of households.
Rice, recognized for his record-setting profession with the San Francisco 49ers, mentioned the donation comes from a spot of empathy.
“No baby ought to ever step right into a classroom hungry,” Rice reportedly mentioned.
BREAKING: NFL Legend Jerry Rice and Spouse erase $667,000 in College Lunch Debt Throughout 103 Faculties — “A Victory Better Than the Tremendous Bowl” ❤️
Jerry Rice and his spouse have worn out over $667,000 in unpaid faculty lunch debt, benefiting hundreds of youngsters throughout the nation. 👍🏾👍🏾 pic.twitter.com/Q0TgyrRoYy— PoloMan (@polo_man404) November 15, 2025
In keeping with AfroTech, the donation is a part of a broader philanthropic marketing campaign ignited after Rice visited an elementary faculty within the Bay Space. The Corridor of Famer noticed how unpaid lunch debt can have an effect on pupil morale and studying. The donation covers balances at greater than 100 faculties in a number of states, together with districts in California and different areas. By clearing the money owed, Rice and his spouse hope to cut back stigma and take away a barrier to educational focus.
District directors from affected faculties praised the gesture as “life-changing” for households. One district reported that dozens of scholars would not have to fret about owing cash for meals or being restricted in cafeteria entry.
The motion arrives amid a nationwide pattern. Unpaid lunch balances have elevated since pandemic-era waivers ended and meals prices rose. The College Diet Affiliation reported that almost 90% of responding faculty districts say lunch debt is rising quicker than they will cowl it.
Past the speedy aid, Rice’s present could spur his friends to feed these in want. Silicon Valley entrepreneurs have pledged to match his funding and broaden the trouble to extra California districts. Moreover, former NFL participant Steve Younger has teamed with Rice to fund meals shelters this vacation season.
Lunch debt nationwide has climbed in recent times as pandemic-era federal waivers expired and districts resumed charging for meals. In keeping with the College Diet Affiliation’s 2024 report, practically 97% of surveyed districts reported rising unpaid balances. Mississippi directors have mentioned that households in rural counties typically face probably the most pressure as a result of wages haven’t saved tempo with rising meals prices.
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