Community raises over $12K to pay off school district food balances

By Patrick Lynn

Stevens Point — The Stevens Point Area Public School District’s “Money for Meals” program continues to aid students with unpaid food balances, raising over $12,110 in donations during its January and June disbursements.

In a news release, the school district expressed gratitude to Brook Brown and Express Employment Professionals for collecting $5,568 in a three-week campaign. Contributors include: Kimber Goodwin, Margaret Taylor, Susan Sandahl, Meagan Duberstein, Bill Wysocki, Taylor Lady, McCain Foods, Maryam Farzaneh, Jenna Hammen, Susan Moss, Deanna Schmelzer, Blake Bishop, Ashley Rasmussen, Nicole Stroik and the Power of Five, Adam Wriedt, David Habeck, Steven Hafenbredl, Margo Bronk, Cynthia Lutz, Karl Revels, Gaye Miller, Kali Clark, Marg Coker-Nelson, Judith Hall, Anne Burroughs, Sentry Insurance, Donna Ruffner, Thomas Jacoby, David and Kathy Bryer, Linda Sprecher, Kimetha and William Fisher, Sonia and Peter Jasen, Sandra and Kenneth Cekosh, and others who chose to remain anonymous.

“These contributions are crucial in ensuring every student in our district has access to nutritious meals, which are essential for their overall well-being and academic success,” said Michael Kurtz, finance manager at the district.

Since its inception in December 2023, the “Money for Meals” campaign has raised over $21,000 to pay towards negative account balances. The program will continue throughout the 2024-25 school year. Donations can be made through the district’s website.

For more information or to learn about other ways to get involved, contact Dr. Thomas Owens at (715) 345-5432 or Dr. Michael Kurtz at (715) 345-5428.