Community Support Helps Erase Over $20,000 in Student Lunch Debt for Watertown Schools
- Steve Jurrens
- Dec 31, 2025
- 1 min read
Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD - The Watertown School District announced a major reduction in student lunch debt this week, thanks to over $20,500 in combined donations from local community partners and an anonymous donor.
The contributions include a $10,500 gift from Sharp Automotive and a $10,000 anonymous donation. These funds will be applied directly to outstanding meal balances within the district, ensuring students have uninterrupted access to nutritious meals.
The district emphasized that these donations do more than just clear financial records; they remove potential barriers to student success. By addressing these balances, the district aims to ensure that students can remain focused on their education without the stress of meal insecurity.
Superintendent Dr. Jeff Danielsen praised the community’s proactive approach to supporting local families. “These donations are a powerful reminder of how deeply our community cares about its children,” Danielsen said.
A Tradition of Local Support
The Watertown School District has long benefited from a collaborative relationship with local businesses and private citizens. This latest round of support follows a history of local engagement aimed at enhancing the student experience and maintaining the district's mission to empower all students.
District officials expressed sincere gratitude to Sharp Automotive and the anonymous contributor for their compassion and commitment to student well-being. The district noted that it remains proud to serve a community that consistently prioritizes the needs of its youth.
Accessing Resources
Families with questions regarding their meal accounts or those seeking more information on nutrition services can contact the Watertown School District office. The district continues to work with state and local agencies to provide healthy, accessible meals to all students.
