kati Jo Christensen is on a social⁤ media mission. Her request to TikTok users who find her videos is simple: stay⁣ for a minute and watch her ‍dance. Her innovative approach to addressing student lunch debt is capturing attention and making a real difference.

Her stage is often her classroom – a typical elementary school room with brown cabinets and ⁣gray carpet. Christensen’s ‍creative ‍touch, with colorful posters and ⁤cactus-themed decorations, brightens the space. Her dance mix includes classics from various eras, featuring hits from NSYNC, The Killers, The Weeknd, Lady Gaga, Post Malone, and ABBA.

The motivation behind her videos remains constant: addressing the critical issue of student lunch debt.

Christensen, a special education⁣ teacher ⁤in the Weber ⁤School ‍District, is using the⁤ money she earns from the videos and⁢ donations – over $11,000 as of early March – to pay off student lunch ⁢debt ‍in Utah. she posts on TikTok under⁢ the username MrsCactusVibes. Her efforts highlight the ongoing challenges faced⁣ by students and families in⁣ affording school meals.

“These kids ‍can’t⁣ learn unless they have food ⁣in their bellies, and they’re worrying about their parents paying for ‍it,” she saeid. “I just want to make sure that these kids aren’t feeling the weight of adult ‍problems when they’re ‍only in elementary.”

Christensen’s awareness of school lunch debt stems from her own experiences as ⁤a student in Utah.

“I remember ⁣when I was in school,” she said, “if you didn’t have enough money on⁤ your lunch account, you‍ would only get a carton of milk and then maybe a handful of carrots or a roll, as they couldn’t give you food unless you paid for it.” This personal connection fuels her dedication to helping students today.

While elementary school kids in Utah are no longer denied lunch,Christensen notes that the accumulating costs can still burden families.

“Every time that child eats that ⁣kind of ⁢amount of how much the lunch or breakfast is, [it] goes on their ‍school‍ account saying that they owe so much money,” Christensen explained. “With the deficit, it just ⁣kind of continues to ‍rise until that parent is able to pay it off.”

The issue of school lunch ⁢debt is significant in Utah. Utah schools have amassed $2.8 million ⁣in school ‍lunch debt. In September, Gov. Spencer Cox announced he would use $1.2 million in federal ⁤funds to start a new grant programme to alleviate some of those balances.

As the⁤ 2025 legislative session concluded, state lawmakers passed HB100, which would create a program to provide free meals to⁤ eligible students and require the State Board of Education to reimburse ⁤schools. Early versions of the bill drew concern from GOP lawmakers about government “dependency,” but the legislation passed and now heads to Cox’s ‍desk. This legislative action underscores the growing recognition ⁢of the need to address food insecurity among students.

Christensen emphasizes that lunch debts can follow students into high school.

“They’ll get to the point where they’re trying to graduate and get their diploma,” she said, “but ⁤they can’t get that diploma until they’ve paid off all of their fees and lunch dues.” This highlights the long-term impact ‍of unpaid lunch debt on students’ educational opportunities.

Inspired by another TikTok creator, Christensen⁣ began making her videos eight months ago, at the end of July. Her initial goal was⁢ to help reduce her school’s $4,000 lunch deficit.⁣ This small act ⁤of ⁢kindness quickly grew into a larger movement.

Donations from family and friends began to trickle in, with contributions ranging from⁣ a hundred dollars to‍ thirty dollars, all aimed at⁤ eliminating a debt that could prevent a child from graduating.

“I thought, ‘That’s it; that’s probably the biggest dent we’re going to make,’” Christensen said.“Then one of my videos just took off, and we had $4,000 paid off in⁤ a week.” This unexpected success fueled her determination ⁣to continue her efforts.

The majority of the money she has received⁢ from her videos comes from donations, but⁤ viewers who watch for at least 60 seconds also help her generate revenue ⁤from TikTok. This combination of direct donations and platform⁢ revenue allows her to maximize her impact.

Christensen used the donations to pay off ⁢student balances at her school and then extended her support to a nearby school in need.

“We’re actually on our third school right now, and I think ⁢we have about $2,000 left on‍ their deficit to⁤ get paid off,” Christensen ⁣said, adding that she also receives⁣ information from parents and teachers about schools with the greatest⁢ need. Her proactive approach ensures that the funds are directed⁣ where they are most needed.

viewers are often surprised that school lunches⁢ aren’t free in Utah,⁢ Christensen notes, but most are eager to help by watching her dances or donating through apps like⁤ Venmo. ‍This widespread support demonstrates a collective desire to address the issue of student lunch debt.

Christensen’s initial goal⁢ was to continue making videos until she could‍ eliminate the entire ⁤state’s lunch debt. She is now exploring partnerships with nonprofits or starting her own⁣ organization to further her⁣ work. Her ⁤long-term vision is to create a lasting solution to food insecurity in⁤ schools.

“I hate the idea that these kids are starting off their lives with a debt. They’re already⁢ in debt,and they’re tiny,” Christensen said,tearing up. “They are worried about their parents, about where their meals are going to come from. They’re ‍taking on grown-up problems at the age of 9,‍ 10, 11,⁢ 12.” Her⁤ emotional connection to⁤ the issue underscores the urgency of her mission.

She believes that the children are the future and deserve better. Her dedication‍ to helping students thrive is an inspiration to others.