Hundreds of elementary school students will start 2018 with a clean slate when they hit the lunch line. C3 Church Newberg paid off the outstanding lunch debt for every Newberg elementary school. 

According to C3's Stacia Crawford, the entire congregation raised the $1,000 needed to pay off the debt in about two weeks. "We have lots of families with students in the district," explained Crawford. "We're happy to help in any way we can."

This year, House Bill 3454 became law, restricting schools from speaking to children about outstanding lunch debt. The so-called "lunch shaming" bill requires schools/districts only communicate with parents about money owed. In addition, schools must let students charge meals. regardless of how much debt they have. Since the beginning of the 2017-18 school year, Newberg students have amassed nearly $5,500 in outstanding lunch debt. C3's $1,000 donation will wipe out the debt of all elementary school students.

The donation means a lot to Newberg families and to the Nutrition Services department. "I felt so loved! I've been in tears. This makes a huge difference in so many lives," expressed Cheri Meeker, Director of Nutrition Services. "This is such a gift."

Feeding students is priority for Meeker. She just organized meals to keep students fed over winter break. Because of her efforts, free lunch will be served to children ages 1-18 at Edwards Elementary School from 11 AM to noon December 18-21 and 26-28. These meals are an extension of the summer lunch program Meeker runs each year.

C3 Church's donation is just one of many this December to help students and families in the district. Newberg Christian Church is suppling food boxes for families in need over winter break. Newberg Emerging Friends Church and GFU's Campus Pastor's office have collected hundreds of dollars in gift cards to help support students and their families. In addition, many local businesses have stepped up. Willcuts Realtors raised $1,300 to help Newberg students this winter. The funds are being used to purchase Fred Meyer gift cards. Providence Medical Group-Newberg is also helping some families with food and gifts.