Because Every Tray Should Be Full

Because Every Tray Should Be Full

Make a Difference

WE ARE opening access, closing lunch debt, and feeding futures. Join us !

3% Cover the Fee

  • 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.

  • What's Next?

    The OLP recognizes Virginia’s progress in expanding access to school mealsbeyond the student to the family. The distinction between OLP and the National School Lunch Program is one of scope: while NSLP focuses on access to subsidized school meals, OLP looks at the broader food ecosystem—what children eat, what happens when school is out, and whether families have enough food at home. Our vision is a Virginia where nutritious food is accessible to children, families, and communities every day.

  • 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.

The Value of Your Support

Where Your Support Goes

Every contribution helps create equitable access to nutritious school meals while building stronger communities. Donations primarily fund the elimination of outstanding K–12 student lunch debt, with future support expanding to community meal initiatives, nutrition education, outreach programs, and partnerships that strengthen food security. A small portion of donations may be used for essential administrative and operating expenses that allow The Open Lunch Project to serve students responsibly and sustainably. Our founders and Board currently serve without salaries, ensuring resources remain focused on advancing our mission.

Who We Serve

The Open Lunch Project is committed to supporting K–12 students throughout Virginia as our first phase of impact. Beginning with the elimination of existing school lunch debt, we aim to help students access nutritious meals without stigma or financial hardship. As our partnerships and funding grow, we plan to expand into additional school districts, develop community meal initiatives, and ultimately bring our model to communities across the United States.

Ways You Can Make a Difference

There are many ways to support our mission beyond making a donation. Individuals can become recurring monthly donors, volunteer their time, serve on our growing Board of Directors, or connect businesses and organizations interested in corporate sponsorships. Beginning in Winter 2027, schools and districts will also have opportunities for sponsorship. Community members may also participate through workplace giving, in-store donation campaigns, or by making a pledge through one of our Board members.

Transparency & Accountability

The Open Lunch Project was founded in February 2026 by Yael Perez and Mia Brandon with a commitment to transparency, responsible stewardship, and measurable impact. As a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, we operate under established bylaws and governance policies designed to protect our mission, our donors, and the communities we serve. We are committed to maintaining ethical financial practices, complying with applicable federal and Virginia nonprofit regulations, and providing accountability as we continue to grow.

Tax Information

The Open Lunch Project is recognized as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Contributions are generally tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. Donors who contribute online will automatically receive a receipt for their records. For questions regarding individual tax situations, we encourage donors to consult a qualified tax professional.

Building Strong Partnerships

Meaningful change happens through collaboration. We are actively building relationships with schools, school divisions, grocery stores, restaurants, food distributors, local businesses, community organizations, and other partners who share our belief that no child should face hunger at school. Together, these partnerships will expand our reach and strengthen long-term solutions for students and families.

Our Growth Journey

Phase One (2026–2027): Launch fundraising efforts, establish partnerships across Virginia, and begin eliminating outstanding K–12 school lunch debt.

Phase Two: Expand into additional school districts while introducing community outreach, nutrition education, and food security initiatives.

Phase Three: Grow through regional and national partnerships to bring the Open Lunch Project model to communities across the country, ensuring more students have access to nutritious meals without financial barriers.

Looking Ahead

Although our public launch is just beginning, the vision behind The Open Lunch Project is already taking shape. Established in February 2026, we have built the legal and organizational foundation necessary for sustainable growth and are preparing to launch fundraising in late Summer 2026. Every partnership formed, every donor welcomed, and every student served brings us one step closer to a future where no child experiences hunger or stigma because of an unpaid school lunch balance. Together, we are creating lasting change—one student, one school, and one community at a time.

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