A school district in Rhode Island coming under fire for a policy dealing with students who owe lunch money.

??According to Newsweek, Warwick Public Schools announced a new policy on Facebook, saying:??“...if money is owed on a paid, free, or reduced lunch account, a sun butter and jelly sandwich will be given as the lunch choice until the balance owed is paid in full or a payment plan is set up.” ??The policy was attacked by hundreds with one local business saying the district declined a $4,000 offer to help pay off some of the debt.??One Facebook user wrote, “...why take it out on kids if parents are struggling???” ??With others accusing the district of “lunch shaming” ??Now, it is state law in Rhode Island that all public schools provide lunches to its students.

??According to the state’s Department of Education, just under 70 percent of the lunches are served free or at a reduced price.

??Warwick’s debt sits at more than $27,000 and WPRI-TV reported that in 2018, its debt was more than $300,000 due to unpaid lunch bills.

??The same local business that had its offer denied said on social media, “There is no need for any child to be denied a hot lunch.” ??Adding, “We never know a child’s or their families situation, everyone struggles at some point.” ??