8-year-old was upset after friend was denied hot lunch at school — his powerful response fed thousands of more kids

The third grader saw his friend upset and being denied a decent meal, and spared no effort to make a change.

PUBLISHED 6 HOURS AGO

(L) Hungry boy staring at an empty plate. (R) Student holding a tray of food. (Representative Cover Image Source: Getty Images | (L) OR Images; (R) Highwaystarz Photography; (Inset) ABC News | Amber Peters)

With a determination to help and support from the community, there is no limit to what is possible. You can be a child and make a difference that inspires thousands, like then-third-grader Cayden Taipalus, per ABC News. The little boy awakened a sense of love and kindness across the community to reach out and help those in need. It started after Taipalus’ friend was unable to get a hot lunch due to a lack of balance in his lunch account. He was so upset for his friend that he decided to respond powerfully, which led to a memorable and empowering gesture for many in need.

Students having healthy lunch in school. (Representative Image Source: Unsplash| Photo by CDC)

Taipalus was getting lunch with his friend at school. The other boy was told that he couldn’t get a hot lunch due to a lack of funds in his lunch account. "It upset the little boy, which in turn upset Cayden,” Taipalus’ mum, Amber, said. "He had to put down his tray because he didn't have enough money in his account and that made me sad," the boy said, per 12 On Your Side. According to a press release by Senator John Fetterman, school lunch debt is a major concern. There are around 20 million children in the U.S. who can’t afford school meals. The national public school meal debt is around $176 million each year. The national debt for meals that children owe is collectively in millions.

Elementary students being served lunch. (Representative Image Source: Getty Images| Photo by Westend 61)

“‘School lunch debt’ is a term so absurd that it shouldn't even exist,” said Senator Fetterman, who introduced legislation to pay off all outstanding student meal debt earlier this year in March. However, back in 2014, there was no one to come to Taipalus' aid till he used his voice to ask for help. The boy and his mum started recycling cans and bottles in the hope of raising money for school meals for those like his friend. When others saw his effort, they decided to share it and call on others to help. They also started a fundraising campaign called “Pay It Forward: No Kid Goes Hungry.”

Little boy holding plastic cans and bottles for recylcing. (Representative Image Source: Getty Images| Photo by Jose Luis Pelaez)

The fundraiser was dedicated to helping children with low incomes to afford a healthy and balanced school meal. The campaign started in early 2014 and ended in 2016. Over that period, the mom-son duo raised over $41,000 towards their mission. Hundreds of strangers came together and contributed, elevating Taipalus’ good deed beyond his school alone. “He not only paid off the accounts but added money to them so the child had no future worries about lunches,” the mom wrote in the description of the fundraiser. He hoped to help with school meals of the entire Livingston County’s Elementary Schools, and right enough, with umpteen generosity, he was able to fulfill this dream

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In several updates, the mom revealed that they were able to help with tens of thousands of lunches. She also shared how Taipalus would personally hand over the money to each of the schools before class. "Doing something little can turn into something big and go a long way. Paying it forward is a big deal," she added. Many people commended the young boy for his generosity and thoughtfulness in bringing an impactful change. Amanda James said, “You have truly made a difference.” Janet Mahn added, “You, young man, are the inspiration that so many people need to see these days!”