Mother Claims Smithville School Denied Her Child a Hot Lunch Several Times

The mother of a Smithville Elementary School fifth grader claims her child has been denied a hot lunch by the school cafeteria several times over the past two years, NBC40 reports.

The parent claims her child was denied a hot lunch because of an outstanding balance. Her child was given a cheese sandwich instead, according to the report.

She spoke up after revelations that a similar situation unfolded in a Utah school in which 40 children were denied a hot lunch, and in some instances had their lunch seized from them after already receiving it, because of outstanding balances. In those cases, children were given a piece of fruit and milk.

In Smithville, if a parent owes more than $25, their child is given what is called an "alternative lunch," according to the report. Superintendent of Schools Dr. Annette Giaquinto told NBC40 there are alerts in place should a parent come close to owing more than is permitted on the account. She said a child is never denied lunch.

The parent did eventually speak with the Smithville Elementary School principal who apologized, according to the report. The cafeteria has not received any complaints this year.