Three local businessmen are continuing the philanthropic work they started three years ago and are now expanding to other parts of the United States.
Kyle Newman and Walt Winfrey of Craig Motor Co. and Erik Neill, chief instructor and owner of Neill’s Taekwondo and Fitness, started Lunch Angels to pay the past-due balances of student lunch accounts in public schools.
The idea for Lunch Angels sprouted during a business lunch between Newman, Winfrey and Neill, who were inspired by the story of a Texas man launching a similar program.
“I have a lot of friends and family who teach, and they don’t get paid enough to help their students. This is a fantastic way to give back to the neighborhood,” Neill said.
In 2014, the Lunch Angels' first contribution was an $840 payment to Pearsontown Elementary School, where Newman used to go to school.
Some children would rather not eat than take the limited meals that would label them as low-income, according to Newman. This lack of nutrition can adversely affect students' focus and academics in the later parts of the day, making lunch an integral part of the school day.
“By the time we have the (students), they’re tired. We give them a snack so that they’re ready,” Neill said about his taekwondo students.
“Cafeterias were throwing away food because people couldn’t afford to pay for meals, so we showed up to Pearsontown and paid the money,” Newman said.
Neither Newman nor Neill were willing to say how much they would spend this year, claiming the schools contact them with how much they need.
