Cox diverts $1.2 million to help pay school meal debt

SALT LAKE CITY — Gov. Spencer Cox has ordered $1.2 million in COVID-19 relief money to be redirected to schools to pay off debts incurred for school meals.

The governor’s office took money from the American Rescue Plan that was specifically earmarked for “non-public schools” and put it into a disaster relief program, creating a new grant program. The grant allows schools and school districts to apply for grants to help pay for school meal debt.

The money is specifically earmarked for low-income families, the governor’s office said.

“Our students are Utah’s future, and investing in their health and education is essential to our state’s success,” Gov. Cox said in a statement. “We are committed to ensuring Utah’s students get the meals they need. I am grateful for the cooperation of the State Board of Education, our schools and districts.”

School meal debt is an issue that FOX 13 News in Utah has been covering and even raising money for. Earlier this year, our reporting revealed that $2.8 million in school meal debt had been accrued across the state. In 2023? It was nearly $2 million.

Many children struggle with financial problems at home and end up in debt as a result.

Lawmakers have tried to address the problem in legislation that has failed to advance in the Utah legislature. Utah also sets aside some money for school meals for children in need through state-regulated alcohol sales.