Atlantic School District Faces ,000 Deficit in Lunch Program; Officials Explore Solutions
ATLANTIC – In an effort to address a concerning ,000 deficit in its school lunch program, officials within the Atlantic School District are actively seeking solutions to assist families and staff members unable to pay for their children’s meals. This financial shortfall has prompted discussions on various strategies to mitigate the impact on students and ensure access to nutritious food.
Superintendent Beth Johnson acknowledged the significant challenges posed by this outstanding balance. Last year, through generous donations from the community, the district was able to reduce a similar deficit from ,000 to ,000. However, Johnson emphasized that while donations remain welcome, reliance on such contributions is not a sustainable long-term solution for the school lunch program.
One option under consideration involves engaging collection agencies to recover unpaid balances. However, questions remain about the efficacy of this approach, particularly regarding whether the district would ultimately benefit from any recovered funds. School officials are also focused on increasing awareness of the free and reduced-price lunch program available under the National School Lunch Program, which serves as a crucial resource for families in need. This program is designed to provide meals at no cost or at a significantly reduced price to eligible children, based on specific income criteria or participation in certain assistance programs, including various Medicaid offerings.
According to Board Secretary and School Business Official Lisa Jones, it’s essential for families to be reminded to apply for this program annually. The COVID-19 pandemic saw a temporary halt in lunch fees, which may have contributed to a lapse in applications as families grew accustomed to the absence of charges. Consequently, many may have overlooked the opportunity to enroll in the free and reduced lunch program.
While students can still receive lunch when their families have a negative balance, they are prohibited from purchasing additional a la carte items or repeat servings. To support transparent communication, the district has implemented a system of notifications, sending letters and emails to families and staff members regarding their negative balances.
As Atlantic School officials continue to navigate this financial challenge, the priority remains clear: ensuring that all students have access to nutritious meals while also maintaining the integrity of the school lunch program. The district is committed to finding a balanced resolution that supports both the financial sustainability of the program and the health and well-being of its students.
