VALLEY CITY, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – A local business owner has donated $1000 to pay student lunch debt at Valley City Public Schools. Corey Berwick, of the Captain’s Pub, said simply, “Christmas is a time of giving” and that he wants to support the community and give back to Valley City families this holiday season.

Valley City Public Schools has a policy that no student is ever refused a hot meal, regardless of their ability to pay. While free & reduced priced meals are available for those who qualify, there are many families in the area that fall just above income guidelines. These are the families that feel the strain of paying for school meals on top of other monthly bills.

VCPS has seen a significant increase in lunch debt over the past year. Mr. Berwick’s generous donation will be distributed based on need and help approximately 20 families. Valley City Public Schools Nutrition Services wishes to thank Mr. Berwick, and others in the community that have donated to the school’s lunch fund this year.