This is a REAL problem and it is far from isolated! We need a permanent fix.

A supporter asked for some data regarding how often this situation occurs, good question, so I did a bit of research and found the attached data. Assuming that the Fort Bend ISD balances its books at the end of each school year and that they begin school in late August then this district amassed a $400,000 school meal debt in less than 8 months!!! It is that collective debt that compels some districts to take such a harsh stance regarding treatment of students with depleted meal accounts, it's simply too expensive to continue absorbing this debt. It is cheaper to provide either nothing, a granola bar or a cheese sandwich to students than to continue feeding them and covering the cost of their meals. There are more than a thousand school districts in Texas, some large and some small but one thing seems to be constant, unless the entire district provides "free" meals there is sure to be some outstanding debt that the district must either absorb or pass on to the parents where it belongs. Right now children are paying the price for this situation and that must change, children need to feel safe at school, even in the cafeteria.