The Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) recently created the WCPSS Districtwide Angel Fund to end the need for alternative school meals, consisting of only fruits and vegetables. Students in the past have faced moments where they had been forced to return their entree and accept an alternate meal, with no grains or protein. The Angel Fund ensures that the nutritional needs of every WCPSS student are fulfilled by allowing them to receive a completed tray of food.
Many children share the experience of forgetting or running out of lunch money, but this should not cause them to feel shamed or degraded. Angel Fund was made to aid any student who lacks sufficient cash or an adequate balance in their lunch money account on a particular day. This funding is not need-based, so it can be used regardless of one’s financial status, and the money used does not have to be paid back by the family of the student. It is important to note, however, that the Angel Fund cannot clear previous account balances; it is only to provide a meal for that day.
The Angel Fund Form can be filled out by any person or organization willing to make a donation by check. All the money that is donated gets transferred to the district’s “Angel Account” which can be accessed by schools to assist their students with purchasing meals. Parents can donate the balance in their child’s account directly to a school’s Angel Account through the School Meal Account Balance Options Form. Families of students who are entering college next year or plan to exit WCPSS can also consider donating their meal account balance before the start of the next school year.
“Neglect” is the first word that came to the mind of Lakisha Howard, cafeteria manager at Green Hope High School, when imagining what must students feel when their school is unable to provide them a meal. Children need to feel secure at school and have a sense of trust in their authority figures, and this can only be accomplished if children know that they can rely on these adults to support them in times of need. Howard, over her three years in the Green Hope cafeteria, has witnessed many incidents where students had patiently waited in line, just to find out that they could not afford their lunch, and has made sure to be there for them with the help of the Angel Fund.
“It would feel embarrassing to just get a tray of fruits and vegetables. I would go ahead and provide the meal, and here, they always allow me to use the right [to provide students with money from the Angel Fund].” Howard ensures that no student is made uncomfortable over something as basic as receiving food. She understands that high schoolers need proper fuel for their bodies in a day filled with classes, studying, sports and extracurriculars; only consuming fruits and vegetables won’t cut it. Howard is the stamp of approval for using the Angel Fund at Green Hope, and makes sure that every student walks out of the lunch line with their trays filled.
Howard and the lunch staff she works alongside are frequent donors to the Angel Fund. They hope to see more contributions to the fund from the WCPSS community so that they can continue feeding their students.
“Food insecurity is a widespread issue, even in places like Green Hope, where economic status may appear higher.” Rithika Kapu (‘26), President of Green Hope’s Rise Against Hunger club, recognizes that stereotypes may influence the funding schools receive for school lunches. Many students who do not qualify for reduced-price meals may still lack the resources to consistently receive proper meals. This issue is what makes the Angel Fund such an important resource. Its availability is highly valuable in circumstances where the prevalence of food insecurity amongst students may be hidden.
Kapu aims to use her club as a platform to increase access to food for all within the community. She currently works to involve the members of her club in meal-packing events, fundraisers and donation drives in order to provide meals for families in need. Kapu now plans to host bake sales and fundraising competitions at Green Hope to raise funds specifically for the Angel Fund.
The Angel Fund is an essential resource for allowing WCPSS students access to proper nutrition. It is important for students to respect this program and not exploit the funds in order to receive free lunch as they please. There is no guarantee that people will continue donating to the Angel Fund, or that the current donations will be sufficient for future needs. These concerns are why every donation — either raised by student initiatives or given by WCPSS families — is vital to continuing the Angel Fund and the support it provides to children.
