LunchLine.Org

Hi, my name is Jacob Perlman and I am a current high school student. In Florida, where I live, there are over three million people who are considered “food insecure”, meaning they do not have enough food, or do not have reliable or consistent access to a sufficient quantity of food. This number includes almost 900,000 children. One out of every five children in the state of Florida struggles with hunger.

For many kids, meals at school may be their only access to food all day. However, if/when they fall behind on their daily school lunch account, or cannot pay on the spot, they may be denied food in school cafeterias. The stigma and shame of being told they have no money on their lunch account, and therefore cannot eat a hot lunch, is embarrassing. It sets them apart from their peers and can lessen their desire to go to school. For children who do attend school, their empty bellies often prevent them from having a positive academic experience. One boy told me he regularly skips classes because he doesn’t want the other kids to hear his stomach rumble.

A hot lunch at school costs approximately $2.25.

I created this GoFundMe account to help pay off student lunch debt so that kids can eat a hot meal, learn in their classes, and not be ostracized by their peers for their inability to pay. 100% of all funds raised will go directly to school lunch accounts. I will initially be working with Broward County public schools, with any leftover funds channeled to other school districts in Florida and across the United States.

Please give what you can. Every little bit helps! Our goal is to help students go through the cafeteria lunch line with dignity and confidence they are going to be served. Even one additional lunch can help make a difference for a child.

Thank you for your support.

Sincerely,

Jacob Perlman

https://gofund.me/137ee89f