Jerry Rice and Wife Erase $667,000 in School Lunch Debt Across 103 Schools
PALO ALTO, CA – November 15, 2025 – NFL legend Jerry Rice and his wife, Latisha, have eliminated $667,000 in unpaid school lunch debt, benefiting thousands of students across the country.The generous donation covers outstanding balances at 103 schools,ensuring students can access meals without the burden of financial hardship.
The impactful move reportedly came after Rice visited an elementary school in the Bay Area. Learning about the prevalence of student lunch debt and its impact on learners deeply moved him, inspiring the couple to take action. “No child should ever step into a classroom hungry,” Rice said. “Our responsibility is to plant strong seeds for the next generation to thrive.”
This act of philanthropy addresses a growing concern about food insecurity among students. School lunch debt can create meaningful stress for families and lead to students being denied meals or facing public shaming. Rice’s donation aims to alleviate this burden and ensure all children have access to nutritious food, a essential requirement for academic success.
Rice’s kindness has already sparked a wave of support. Several entrepreneurs in Silicon Valley have pledged to match his donation, extending the impact to clear debts for even more students in california.
Beyond the immediate financial relief, rice has partnered with fellow 49ers legend Steve Young to raise awareness about food insecurity, notably in light of reduced Supplemental Nutrition Assistance program (SNAP) benefits.
The gesture has resonated widely on social media, with fans praising Rice’s commitment to giving back. “This is awesome!!! No kid should go into debt just to eat lunch at school. Congrats,” one user posted. Another shared, “I cried reading this. We loved watching him make touchdowns,but this beats it all. There’s still good people in this world.”
