By Emilie Gilbert
Herald Intern
DUDA, an Oviedo-based company, has donated $200,000 to eliminate school lunch debt for over 5,000 students in Seminole County.
The $200,000 contribution was made to the nonprofit organization All for Lunch with a check presentation held on Jan. 20 at Pine Crest Elementary School.
Over 3,600 students who qualify for free meals will have their outstanding lunch balances cleared, and an additional 1,425 students who receive reduced-price meals will be aided.
“Removing this financial stress also provides peace of mind for families, allowing them to focus on their children’s education and well-being,” said Tracy Duda Chapman, the Chief Legal and Administrative Officer at DUDA.
DUDA gave back to the Central Florida community where it got its start in honor of the company’s 100th anniversary.
“As a company rooted in agriculture, we also believe in the importance of nutritious food as a cornerstone of healthy communities,” said Duda Chapman. “When students are well nourished, they are better positioned to focus, learn, and thrive in the classroom.”
All for Lunch has a special donation page in honor of DUDA’s contribution. Anyone can donate to help eliminate more school lunch debt in Seminole County by visiting allforlunch.org/DUDA.
