Utah school district announces new policies after kids’ lunches were thrown out for nonpayment

SALT LAKE CITY – A Utah school district that came under fire for taking away $2 school lunches from about 32 students is announcing new policies it says will prevent a similar situation.

The Salt Lake City School District issued a statement Friday that says students will always be given a full meal, even if they owe money on food accounts.

District officials apologized last week and put two employees on leave after students at Uintah (yoo-IN’-tah) Elementary had their lunches seized and thrown out because of overdue accounts.

The district said Friday that schools will flag accounts once they are $10 or more overdue, and principals will work to help notify parents.

Officials also say all communications about payments and accounts will made directly to parents rather than sent through students via notices.

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