PEP Foundation Pays Off Lunch Debt For Students On Free And Reduced Lunch Students

The Putnam Educational Partnership (PEP) Foundation paid off the lunch debt for all students on free and reduced lunches.

Executive Director Katelyn Steakley said the foundation covered almost $15,000 in lunch debt. She said that was made possible through the foundation’s community donations.

“Unfortunately debts such as lunch debt can follow students throughout their educational careers,” Steakley said. “It can keep them from being able to graduate or participate in different school activities so we want to take that burden away from those families so that those children are able to participate in a meaningful way and not have to worry about their futures.”

Steakley said ultimately the goal of the PEP Foundation is to remove barriers to achievement for Putnam County students who are economically disadvantaged. She said the foundation has many plans on the horizon to continue those efforts.

Steakley said if you are interested in learning more about the PEP Foundation, visit www.peptn.org.

“Our mission is one that our community can get involved in, as there are many ways to help invest in our local students,” Steakley said. “PEP is preparing to announce more opportunities for our community to support students who have unmet needs. We invite our community to join us as we remove barriers so that every student has the opportunity to learn and reach their fullest potential.”