Local Company Steps In To Pay For Student Lunches In Noble

As tragic as the pandemic was, one positive thing that came from it was free lunch for school kids. 

For the past two years, through state and national waivers, schools have been able to provide free lunches for all students. 

“The problem that a lot of school districts are running into right now is those waivers are not there,” said Noble Schools Assistant Superintendent, Dr. Jon Meyers. 

This has created a problem with Noble schools as well as many other school districts because students now have to once again pay for their lunches. 

“If you didn’t qualify for reduced and just missed the bubble with inflation and the cost of everything right now, lunch charges are going to be insurmountable,” said Dr. Meyers. 

Because of the problem, Noble’s public schools’ foundation has stepped in. 

“We came together as a board and decided we wanted to do something to help,” said Erika Wright, with Noble’s public schools’ foundation. 

The foundation was able to raise five thousand dollars to help with the past due balances, but there was still a significant amount due. 

“I got a call from a friend of mine who I went to school with, who is a Noble alum who works with Home creations,” said Wright. 

Home Creations is one of the top homebuilders in Oklahoma. 

“My dad and my uncle started the company forty years ago and I grew up working for the family business,” said Vahid Farzaneh, with Home Creations 

“When we saw the email come through, I thought it was a good opportunity for us to help out and cover the full amount,” said Farzaneh. 

The foundation was shocked and surprised by the generous offer, but for Farzaneh, the decision was a no-brainer. 

“To help the kids here in the school, especially for the food, I mean everyone should be able to afford food, I mean at least have a meal, especially kids,” said Farzaneh. 

An Oklahoma company helping Oklahoma families 

“It feels great, I mean I feel bad that sometimes people have that struggle but if we can come in and help,” said Farzaneh. 

The school district acknowledges the problem, however, there was never a question of their position on the issue. 

“We will continue to give a kid a meal regardless of their balance,” said Dr. Meyers. 

The donation does significantly help with the past due balance, however, there are still families that struggle to pay for their kid's lunch every day. Sadly, this is a problem though most school districts. To help the families in Noble visit the foundation's website