A US man has paid the overdue student lunch fees of almost 90 students at a local school to serve as an inspiration to others to “do something good”.

Iowa resident Jerry Fenton took to Facebook last week to describe his good deed, saying he also ensured the Grimes Elementary School had extra funds in its account to cover all overdue lunch fees for the rest of the year.

“I myself positively affected 89 students today… Now it's your turn to do something good for your fellow man,” Mr Fenton wrote.

His post has drawn praise and thousands of reactions from other users.

The motel manager said the decision was prompted by the desire to make himself feel proud.

In a second post this week, Mr Fenton thanked readers for their support, while defending his decision to not remain anonymous about his act.