For the holidays this year, I am raising money to put towards paying off North Carolina's public school meal debt. From the last articles I read, there is about $19,000 in uncollected school meal debt in Wake County alone, and $1.3 million collectively throughout North Carolina.

No child should go hungry. I don't believe this is a political issue. Studies show children who experience food insecurity are more likely to have decreased cognition and brain function, behavior problems, and lower standardized test scores. In North Carolina, a child can only have 3 days of unpaid meals before they receive only fruits and vegetables (no protein or side dishes).

Every child deserves nutritious meals without worrying about money or the stigma associated with not being able to pay for food.

I am asking for your generosity this holiday season and plan to match 50 cents for every dollar that I am able to raise.