A major donation from a local automotive group is helping eliminate student meal debt for hundreds of Montgomery County families.
Montgomery County Public Schools announced Monday that DARCARS® Automotive Group and DARCARS® Toyota have donated $230,000 to help wipe out student meal debt across the district. The contribution was made through the MCPS Educational Foundation’s Dine with Dignity Program.
MCPS said the donation will eliminate two years of outstanding meal debt for families who qualify for the Free and Reduced-price Meals System (FARMs), allowing many students to start the new year without any lingering balances. Since 2023, the district’s total student meal debt has grown to more than $1.36 million.
MCPS Superintendent Dr. Thomas W. Taylor called the donation a meaningful step toward removing barriers that can affect student success. “This incredible act of generosity from DARCARS does more than just clear a balance; it removes a barrier to student success,” Taylor said. “By lifting this financial weight off our families during the holiday season, DARCARS is proving that they are not just a local business, but a dedicated partner in our mission to serve and support every student in Montgomery County.”
Jamie Darvish, owner of DARCARS® Automotive Group and DARCARS® Toyota, said the donation reflects the company’s commitment to the local community and to ensuring students have what they need to learn.
“No student should have to worry about affording a meal while at school,” Darvish said. “DARCARS is vigorously committed to the local community and is taking meaningful action so students can focus on what truly matters: learning and growing.” Montgomery County Board of Education President Grace Rivera-Oven also praised the effort, emphasizing the importance of dignity and support for families facing financial challenges.
“No student should ever feel embarrassed because their family is facing difficult times,” Rivera-Oven said. “Partnerships like this one with DARCARS Automotive Group and DARCARS Toyota make a real, measurable difference in our students’ lives.”
The donation was formally presented during a ceremony held Monday, Dec. 22, at the Montgomery County Board of Education meeting room. The event was attended by elected officials, business leaders, and community supporters. MCPS also thanked the Silver Spring Chamber of Commerce for helping facilitate support for the donation.
