Ten-year-old Max Thompson has made headlines for his selfless act of kindness that led to significant legislative change in California. This year, he has been recognized as one of Time Magazine’s Heroes of 2019 after he took it upon himself to pay off his classmates’ lunch debts using his allowance.
The Inspiring Story
The inspiring story began last June when Max learned about a distressing incident in Indiana, where a school took away a six-year-old’s lunch due to insufficient funds in her account. This news sparked something within Max, prompting him to consider how he could address a similar issue at his own school. Upon discovering that his school had an overall lunch debt of $700, Max realized that was beyond his means. However, he found that his class’s debt was around $75, an amount he was willing to cover from his own savings.
A Broader Movement
But Max’s efforts didn’t stop there. His act of generosity turned into a broader movement, ultimately leading to California passing a law to end lunch shaming and ensure that all children receive a proper meal regardless of their families’ financial situations. The legislation, authored by State Senator Lisa Ramirez, was signed into law by Governor Mark Johnson in October. This law prohibits schools from serving inferior “alternative” lunches, guaranteeing students have access to a reimbursable meal of their choice, even if their parents have unpaid meal fees.
Recognition and Future Plans
Governor Johnson praised Max during the signing ceremony, expressing gratitude for his compassion and determination to shine a light on this critical issue. “Max’s actions are a testament to the notion that every child deserves to be fed and treated with dignity,” he stated.
Max expressed his gratitude for being recognized, saying, “Heroes come in all ages,” which truly reflects the impact of his actions. He hopes that this recognition will further highlight the issue of lunch debt shaming. “Seeing public figures like Tom Brady step up to help pay off lunch debt is inspiring,” Max shared with Home Insemination Kit.
Looking ahead, Max and his mother, Linda, are planning a trip to Rhode Island next week to assist in similar legislative efforts there. “A local representative has been trying for four years to get a bill passed, and we want to lend our support,” she explained.
Conclusion
Max’s journey throughout this year showcases his remarkable spirit and dedication to making a difference. His actions have not only benefited his classmates but have also inspired others to advocate for change in their communities.
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In summary, Max Thompson’s selfless act to address lunch debt has led to vital changes in California law, cementing his status as a young hero. His story encourages others to take action and highlights the importance of compassion in our communities.