When Congress failed to renew a program covering school meal costs during the pandemic, Utah families faced a burden. As of April 2023, Utah students accumulated $1.7 million in school lunch debt, and this could surpass $2 million this school year due to rising living costs. While students won't be denied meals, the debt follows them and may hinder graduation. Economic struggles and childhood hunger's impact on academic performance contribute to this issue. Many in debt earn too much for free/reduced lunch but too little for regular meals. Let's unite as a community and state to erase this debt and fight hunger in our schools, one meal at a time.