Advocates want stronger language in state law, following reports that the Stewartville School District in southeast Minnesota instructed lunchroom staff to publicly dump food trays of students who owe money on their lunch accounts and give them a sandwich instead. Colleen Moriarty with Hunger Solutions Minnesota says, “I think that it makes them afraid to have lunch…, worried about whether or not they’re gonna have a bill when they go up to collect it, or if they’re gonna be singled out. It’s a humilating practice.” Moriarty adds, “It’s not a children’s problem in the lunchroom. It should be taken care of before that. We don’t need to carry out this kind of drama on the backs of children.”
Jessica Webster with Legal Services Advocacy Project says they want more specific language in Minnesota law, which already bans the practice, plus direction from the state to school districts. Stewartville Superintendent Belinda Selfors said earlier the alternative meals meet all U-S-D-A requirements.