Cox diverts $1.2 million to pay off school lunch debt

SALT LAKE CITY – Gov. Spencer Cox has ordered the diversion of $1.2 million in COVID-19 relief funds to help students pay off their school lunch debt.

The governor's office took funds from the American Rescue Plan that were specifically earmarked for “nonpublic schools” and put them into an emergency relief program, creating a new grant program. The grant program allows schools and school districts to apply for grants to pay off school lunch debt.

The money is specifically intended for low-income families, the governor's office said.

“Our students are Utah's future, and investing in their health and education is critical to our state's success,” Governor Cox said in a statement. “We are committed to ensuring Utah's students get the meals they need. I am grateful for the collaboration of the State Board of Education, our schools and districts.”

School lunch debt is an issue FOX 13 News in Utah has been highlighting, and even raising money for. Earlier this year, we found in our report that $2.8 million in school lunch debt had been accumulated nationwide. In 2023? That will be nearly $2 million.

Due to financial difficulties at home, many children get into debt.

Lawmakers have attempted to address the problem through legislation, but it has failed to advance in the Utah state legislature. Utah also provides some of the money for school meals for needy children through state-controlled alcohol sales.