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Elkhorn Area School District staff move to remove 'lunch‑shaming' language; students with negative accounts to receive standard meals
Summary
Food service supervisor Ashley Drake told the board a DPI review prompted edits to eliminate language that withheld standard meals; students with negative balances will be served reimbursable breakfast or lunch but may not buy a la carte items. Board members requested clearer wording on per‑meal vs. per‑day limits.
Ashley Drake, the district’s food service supervisor, told the board that an administrative review by the Department of Public Instruction found the district’s school meal policy contained outdated language that amounted to so‑called “lunch shaming.” Drake said the policy was revised so that any student who comes through the service line will be provided a standard reimbursable breakfast or lunch even if their account balance is negative.
"Even if you're negative a $100, any kid that comes through my line will not get denied a meal," Drake said, adding that students with negative balances will be prevented only from purchasing extra a la carte items.
Board members pressed for precise wording after reviewing the draft changes, asking whether the rule applies per meal or per day and suggesting the district explicitly state: "No child will be denied a standard meal service at either breakfast or lunch during that meal service." Members agreed to reformat the provision under the policy section (proposed as a new item c) so the language applies consistently to offered reimbursable meal options.
The revisions were presented as a corrective to an older policy and tied to the DPI administrative review. Board members also noted the district’s Angel Fund and other family supports that can help settle negative account balances. The board directed staff to finalize the wording and incorporate it into the policy packet for the upcoming board meeting.
Next steps: staff will finalize the revised policy language, place the item in the policy committee's packet, and present it for formal board consideration at the reorganization meeting.
