“We never turn our child away”: Idaho Falls Schools feed kids despite $38,000 deficit
IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Concerns about student hunger and unpaid lunch balances are raising questions for families in eastern Idaho, but school officials say no child in District 91 is turned away from a meal.
District leaders say every student is served a full meal, regardless of their account balance, pushing back on concerns circulating online about students being denied food or given alternative meals.
“We never turn our child away,” said Vanna Merrill, assistant child nutrition supervisor for District 91. “No matter if they owe money or whatever, we always feed the child.”
Merrill said meals must meet strict federal nutrition guidelines, meaning all students receive the same planned menu rather than a substitute option.
Even as unpaid balances accumulate, the district continues to provide meals. Merrill said District 91 currently carries about $38,000 in negative lunch balances.
At the end of the school year, those costs are covered by the district’s general fund, which supports operations across the district.
Inside school kitchens, staff say their priority is making sure students have access to food every day.
Terri Thieme, kitchen manager at Eagle Rock Middle School says some students are aware of their account balances and may hesitate to get lunch, but staff encourage them to continue coming through the line.
“There’s a good group of kids that come up and ask how much is on their balance and are worried that they shouldn’t get lunch,” Thieme said. “We always encourage they come through.”
District officials say families can apply for free or reduced-price meals at any time during the school year. Eligibility is based on household income, with some students qualifying for fully covered meals and others paying a reduced cost.
The district also offers additional programs to support students, including a fresh fruit and vegetable program at several elementary schools and a free summer meal program open to anyone under 18.
Community members can also donate to help offset unpaid meal balances through the district’s website or by contacting the child nutrition office.
School officials say their goal is to ensure every student has consistent access to meals, regardless of financial circumstances.
