Governor Cox diverts funds to pay off student lunch debt
Sep 3, 2024, 8:00 PM
Governor Cox has redirected funding from a COVID-era program to pay off student lunch debt in Utah. (Canva)
(Canva)
SALT LAKE CITY — Utah’s Governor Spencer Cox announced Tuesday that he is redirecting $1.2 million of funding from the American Rescue Plan (ARP) to pay off student lunch debt.
The funds are being moved to the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Program (GEER). From there, the program will distribute grants to reimburse student lunch debt for low-income families.
The funding originally came as part of a COVID relief allocation through the ARP act. It was exclusively for non-public schools, but the ARP gave authority to redirect unused money to GEER.
“Our students are the future of Utah,” said Gov. Cox in a press release. “And investing in their health and education is vital to the success of our state.”
Earlier this year, a report revealed that Utah families owed upwards of $2.8 million in school lunch debt.
Families across the state and nation have felt the squeeze of increased housing, food, and insurance prices. And issues in the job market have not helped struggling families either.
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In spite of promising metrics, like Utah having the lowest student loan debt in the nation, food insecurity remains a concern for many.
“We are committed to ensuring Utah students receive the meals they need,” Gov. Cox said.
Related: Davis Education Foundation to open a teen living center to help students facing homelessness
