The Bozeman Schools Foundation received more than double its goal to clear all student lunch debt in December.

In the past, Bozeman Public Schools has been able to clear out meal debt after each semester using unsolicited donations from the public, but an increase in negative balances in June made a public campaign necessary, according to the foundation.

In a December interview, district food services director Brittany Selvig told the Chronicle it could cost up to $1.25 million for the district to fund free meals by itself.

At least eight states have passed free school meal legislation. Montana lawmakers introduced a similar bill last legislative session that would have done just that, but the House Education Committee tabled the bill in April.

Schools where 25% of students qualify for free or reduced price meals are eligible for free meal funding under recent changes to the National School Lunch program. About 20% of Bozeman students meet the requirements for free or reduced meals, Selvig previously told the Chronicle.

Montana Right Now: Bozeman schools raise double amount needed to clear 2023 lunch debt