After outrage over district response to student lunch debt, Chobani's founder stepped in
After a Rhode Island school district's policy for students who owe lunch money drew nationwide criticism, upstate New York-based yogurt company Chobani has stepped in to ensure all students are guaranteed a hot meal at lunch.
Chobani, headquartered in Norwich, has donated $47,650 toward the $77,000 lunch debt faced by Warwick Public Schools, which serves students in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade.
On Sunday, the district had announced students who owed money on paid, free or reduced lunch accounts would be served sun butter and jelly sandwiches with the usual vegetables, fruit and milk until their balance was paid, beginning May 13.
That policy was altered a few days later, after parents left scores of angry comments on the district’s post and national media outlets picked up the story. Chairwoman Karen Bachus said a school subcommittee recommended students get the lunch of their choice, regardless of their account balance.
"Chobani is pleased that the Warwick Public Schools district later opted to put this policy on hold," the company said in a statement, "but still wanted to step up to the plate to pay this unpaid lunch debt and also raise awareness to the issue of children being denied a delicious, nutritious meal and often suffering the stigma of not being served the same meal as his or her peers."
https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/companies/after-outrage-over-district-response-to-student-lunch-debt-chobanis-founder-stepped-in/ar-AABbTHh
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