The Vermillion School Board is taking significant steps to address student meal access during their latest meeting, proposing adjustments to the school meal program and meal charges policy. The board discussed a new plan that would allow students to maintain a negative balance of up to $25 in their lunch accounts, rather than being cut off from meals when their balance reaches zero.

This decision comes in light of ongoing community hardships, particularly following two years of federally funded free lunches. The board expressed concern about the potential impact of denying meals to students who may struggle financially. Under the proposed policy, students would be allowed to accumulate a negative balance equivalent to approximately two and a half weeks of meals, providing a buffer period for families to address their lunch account issues.

During this time, students would also be eligible for five courtesy meals, allowing school staff, including principals and social workers, to engage with families to determine if they qualify for free or reduced meal programs. The goal is to ensure that no student goes hungry while also working collaboratively with families to resolve any financial difficulties.

The board's proposed amendment aims to add language to the policy that explicitly allows this negative balance, facilitating a more supportive approach to meal access. The discussion highlighted the importance of maintaining meal availability for students while also addressing the financial realities faced by many families in the community.

As the board moves forward with this proposal, it underscores a commitment to ensuring that all students have access to nutritious meals, reflecting a broader understanding of the challenges some families face in the Vermillion area. The next steps will involve gathering feedback from school administrators and implementing the new policy to better support students in need.