OLP Pillars

Mission Statement

The Open Lunch Project removes barriers to learning by eliminating student school lunch debt and expanding equitable access to nutritious meals. Through partnerships with schools, communities, and donors, we ensure every child can learn, grow, and belong without the burden of hunger or stigma.

Vision Statement

We envision a future where every student has equitable access to nutritious school meals and no child experiences hunger, stigma, or hardship because of an unpaid lunch balance. Every student deserves a seat at the table—and a full tray. We believe that nourishing children is an investment in their health, education, and future. When students have reliable access to nutritious meals, they are better equipped to learn, grow, build meaningful relationships, and realize their full potential. By removing barriers to school meals, we create opportunities for children to thrive both inside and outside the classroom. We aspire to communities where schools, families, donors, and local partners work together to ensure that no child is left behind because of food insecurity. Through compassion, collaboration, and equitable access, we seek to build sustainable systems of support that meet immediate needs while strengthening the well-being of students and their families.

Serving Communities

Strong communities are built when schools, families, businesses, and neighbors work together to meet the needs of every child. We collaborate with local partners to eliminate outstanding school lunch balances, mobilize community support, and create meaningful opportunities for giving back. By strengthening these connections, we help ensure that students receive the nutrition they need while fostering a culture of compassion, shared responsibility, and collective impact.

Nurturing Mind and Body

A nutritious meal does more than satisfy hunger—it supports learning, confidence, and overall well-being. By removing financial barriers to school meals, we help students arrive in the classroom ready to focus, participate, and thrive. Every full tray represents an opportunity for healthier development, stronger academic engagement, and the dignity every child deserves throughout their school day.

Sustaining Futures

Ending lunch debt is not just about addressing today's need—it's about creating lasting opportunities for tomorrow. We invest in sustainable solutions by building partnerships, expanding community awareness, and supporting programs that strengthen food security for students and their families. Through long-term collaboration and continued advocacy, we work toward a future where no child's education is interrupted by hunger or financial hardship.

The Facts, Virginia Lunch Debt

  • Federal Numbers

    For 2026–27, the federal income eligibility guidelines used in Virginia are listed to be:

    $42,900

    Free meals

    $61,050

    Reduced-price meals

    What happens at $61,051?

    Eligibility is based on income. Food insecurity is shaped by income + housing + transportation + childcare + local cost of living + household circumstances.

  • Virginia Public School Debt

    In Fairfax County (2023- 2024), there was $1.1M in student meal debt. This is one Virginia school division.

    There was $350K for unpaid school meals in Prince William County.

    Henrico County Public Schools? $50K+ in meal debt—before the school year was even halfway over.

    As of 2025-2026, there was $258K in active student meal debt in Virginia Beach City Public Schools.

  • Universal School Meals

    Universal school meals are the long-term policy solution. OLP is helping move Virginia toward a broader vision of food access.

    Nine states have already guaranteed universal free school meals. Virginia has not. After years of stalled efforts, the 2026 legislative session narrowed its focus to breakfast, alongside a study of uncollectible school meal debt.

Letter from the President

I founded The Open Lunch Project because growing up, I saw firsthand what it meant to rely on free and reduced lunch. I know that a school meal can be more than food, and often is. It can be comfort, stability, and dignity during a child’s day. It breaks my heart that so many students and families still face the stress of unpaid lunch balances and food insecurity at large. The OLP exists to support these exact needs.