MOSCOW, Idaho – Idaho has a problem with hungry kids, and the Moscow/Latah County United Way announced a grant this week to pay off school lunch debt in Moscow schools, targeting food insecurity among youth.
The new program will forgive school lunch debt for the entire Moscow School District and two local charter schools, according to the United Way.
“These meals are essential for students to receive a quality education, and families should not have to go into debt to feed their children,” the organization said in a media statement.
Feeding America estimates that about 70,000 children in Idaho will experience food insecurity in 2022. Despite a child food insecurity rate of 14.5%, Republicans in the Idaho Legislature have expressed skepticism about accepting federal funding for hunger relief.
The state Senate in March rejected $14,830,500 in federal child care and summer student meal funding.
Idaho’s state government has the right to refuse funding from the U.S. Congress to address child food insecurity, but under current Idaho State Board of Education guidelines, local school districts can accept charitable funds from organizations like the United Way.
“Moscow/Ratatoha County United Way strives to support the health, education and economic stability of everyone in our community,” the organization said.
