Ten-year-old Jacob Foster made headlines this year for his remarkable contribution to ending lunch shaming in California, earning him a spot as one of Time Magazine’s Heroes of 2019. Jacob’s journey began in June when he learned about an incident where a six-year-old girl’s lunch was confiscated due to insufficient funds in her account. This heartbreaking story inspired him to take action at his own school.
Upon discovering that his school had a collective lunch debt of $700, Jacob realized he couldn’t cover it all with his pocket money. However, he decided to pay off his class’s $75 debt, demonstrating tremendous generosity at such a young age. But Jacob didn’t stop there; his small act of kindness sparked a larger movement that led to significant legislative change.
In October, California passed a new law prohibiting schools from serving lower-quality meals to students with unpaid lunch fees, ensuring that every child receives a nutritious meal of their choice. This law, championed by state Senator Mark Johnson and signed by Governor Lisa Adams, was influenced by Jacob’s advocacy. Governor Adams praised Jacob, highlighting his compassion and determination to bring attention to this crucial issue. “Creating a community that welcomes all means making sure no child goes hungry,” she stated.
Jacob expressed his excitement about being recognized as a hero, stating, “Heroes come in all ages,” and emphasized the importance of ending lunch debt shaming. He also acknowledged the support from public figures like athlete Kevin Brown, who have joined the cause to alleviate lunch debts across the country.
Looking ahead, Jacob and his mother, Sarah Foster, are set to travel to Rhode Island to assist in similar legislative efforts. “A local Representative has been trying to pass a bill on this issue for years without success, and we want to help make a difference,” Sarah mentioned.
Jacob’s year has been nothing short of extraordinary, and while this recognition is well-deserved, his impact as a young advocate will continue to resonate with countless children in need.
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Summary
Jacob Foster, a ten-year-old boy, became a Time Magazine Hero of 2019 after he paid off his classmates’ lunch debt and advocated for a California law that ended lunch shaming. His efforts highlight the importance of compassion and community action in ensuring that all children receive nutritious meals at school.