Help Our Seniors Graduate with Pride—Not Debt

Graduation is just around the corner—and while our seniors are preparing to walk across the stage, some are carrying more than just caps and gowns. They’re carrying lunch debt.

At Lake Washington Schools Foundation, we believe every student deserves to cross the stage with confidence and a clean slate. Our community has always shown up for students—and now, we’re asking you to do it again.

We’re raising $15,000 to clear lunch debt for graduating seniors across the Lake Washington School District.

Your gift can help lift this burden—will you join us?

If more funds are raised than needed to cover current senior lunch debt, the surplus will be used to reduce lunch debt for other students.

Why Meal Debt Happens for Some Families

Many factors can contribute to student meal debt, even for families who are working hard to make ends meet.

• The income limits for qualifying are based on national guidelines and don’t reflect the high cost of living in our area, so some families who don’t qualify may still struggle to afford school meals.
• Some families may feel nervous about filling out the Free and Reduced Lunch application because it asks for personal information or they may fear being stigmatized.
• Students must take a “complete meal” for it to count as free or reduced-price. For example, taking only a slice of pizza may still result in a charge.