The Las Vegas Raiders are pledging $500,000 toward eliminating meal debt which will be allocated through the Nevada Community Foundation (NCF). Nevada schools participating in the National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs will be working with NCF to eliminate existing school meal debt.
"Today, we want to make a donation to the Nevada Department of Agriculture meal service program, which feeds kids lunch and breakfast at the schools. We are hoping to eliminate the debt that the entire state of Nevada has to do that project, and in that regard we are donating $500,000 to the program," said Raiders Owner Mark Davis.
The National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs are federally assisted meal programs operating in public and non-profit charter schools. When families are not able to pay for school meals and do not qualify for federal free or reduced priced meals, debt is accrued at the school level. This donation will fill the gap between schools and families who cannot afford to pay their school meal debt.
The funds are being allocated through the Nevada Community Foundation, which is working in conjunction with the Raiders and the Nevada Department of Agriculture, administrator of the state's National School Lunch (NSLP) and Breakfast (SBP) Programs.
"We are proud to partner with the Las Vegas Raiders as the administrator of the organization's community fund that will retire the cumulative school meal debt for eligible institutions currently participating in NSLP and SBP with the Nevada Department of Agriculture," said Gian Brosco, President & CEO, Nevada Community Foundation. "As the Raiders prepare for their official arrival as our state's first-ever NFL team, their positive impact on our community continues to grow as evidenced by this significant gesture. We commend Mark Davis for actively seeking opportunities like this that make a real difference for Nevada students and residents."
Information about the NSLP and the SBP meal pattern requirements, nutrition standards, technical assistance and guidance materials may be found on the School Meals website:
