EdCast Tweet to Action How one tweet inspired a movement to erase strangers' school lunch debt, and why it's important Posted March 1, 2017 By Jill Anderson As Ashley Ford describes it, it was "some random thoughts on a random day." She had no idea that putting it out into the twitterverse at that moment would spark a movement. Yet, now, over $150,000 has been donated nationwide by hundreds of people in order to wipe out the lunch debt of strangers. "What's beautiful is that I tweeted the idea and these other people decided to make it happen in their own communities," says Ford, a writer and editor whose work has appeared in The Guardian, ELLE, and Slate, among other publications. "That's the thing that overwhelms me."The importance of school lunch — especially in families that qualify for reduced or free lunch — should not be underestimated, says Ford, who, as a child was part of the free luch program. "Kids who are hungry can't learn," she says.In this edition of the Harvard EdCast, Ford discusses her personal experience with school lunch debt and how her one tweet inspired a movement.About the Harvard EdCast The Harvard EdCast is a weekly series of podcasts, available on the Harvard University iTunes U page, that features a 15-20 minute conversation with thought leaders in the field of education from across the country and around the world. Hosted by Matt Weber and co-produced by Jill Anderson, the Harvard EdCast is a space for educational discourse and openness, focusing on the myriad issues and current events related to the field. EdCast An education podcast that keeps the focus simple: what makes a difference for learners, educators, parents, and communities Explore All Articles Related Articles EdCast What Do Immigrant Students Need? It Isn't Just ELL Carola Suárez-Orozco discusses the social-emotional needs of immigrant students EdCast Schools, Reopening, and the Cycle of Mistrust How lack of trust contributes to decision-making within a school community, and how strengthening it could put schools back on track toward in-person learning. EdCast The Need for School Nurses A conversation about the impact of COVID on school nurses and why every school needs a nurse.