Story by the North Platte Public Schools Foundation
As students prepare to return to the classroom, North Platte Public Schools families are receiving an incredible gift of a fresh start. Thanks to a $10,000 donation from Farm Credit Services of America, all outstanding student meal debt from the previous school year—approximately $7,000—has been paid in full, allowing every family to begin the new school year with a zero lunch balance. The remaining funds will support the Bulldog Market, the district's student food pantry operated by North Platte Public Schools Student Services. The North Platte Public Schools Foundation manages the
Bulldog Market's charitable funds and works alongside Student Services to help ensure students have access to food and other basic necessities throughout the school year. The North Platte Public Schools Foundation and North Platte Public Schools extend their heartfelt gratitude to Farm Credit Services of America for investing in local students and families in such a meaningful way.
"Supporting rural communities means investing in the people who make them strong, and that starts with our children," said Johna Jablonski, regional vice president of customer experience in FCSAmerica’s North Platte office. "When students have access to nutritious meals, they're better prepared to learn, grow, and succeed. We're proud to partner with North Platte Public Schools and the North Platte Public Schools Foundation to help remove barriers for local families and strengthen the future of our community."
"This is an extraordinary act of generosity," said Terri Burchell, Executive Director of the North Platte Public Schools Foundation. "While we celebrate this incredible gift, we also want our families to understand that donations like this are not something we can count on every year. We hope this fresh start encourages everyone to keep lunch accounts current throughout the school year."
North Platte Public Schools has always believed that no child should go hungry. Even when a student's lunch account carries a negative balance, students continue to receive a complete, nutritious school lunch—not an alternate meal. Ensuring students have access to healthy meals has always been a priority.
"It's remarkable that our schools can provide a nutritious lunch for less than $3 per meal," Burchell said. "This generous gift allows families to begin the year with a clean slate while also helping stock the Bulldog Market for students who may need additional support during the year."
The district is also enhancing communication with families regarding meal account balances. Parents currently receive automated reminder phone calls when balances become low or delinquent, and additional communication efforts will help families stay informed throughout the school year.
North Platte Public Schools also offers free breakfast to all students, and several elementary schools provide free lunch through federal meal programs. These opportunities are possible because families complete the annual school meal application. Even families who believe they may not qualify are encouraged to apply, as participation helps schools receive federal funding that benefits students across the district.
"This gift goes above and beyond what federal meal programs provide," Burchell said. "Farm Credit Services of America has made an investment not only in our students but also in the strength of our community. We are incredibly grateful for their generosity."
The North Platte Public Schools Foundation and North Platte Public Schools thank Farm Credit Services of America for helping students begin the school year on the right foot and for supporting the Bulldog Market so it can continue serving students and families throughout the year. Together, this generosity reminds us that when a community invests in its children, everyone benefits.