Belgrade school meal debt tops $110K

Meal debt at Belgrade Public Schools was over $110,000 as of April 8, according to a spokesperson for the school district.

In its attempts to collect the monies owed, the district uses several approaches. Initially, when a student is in arrears in their meal account, his or her family receives an automated notice from Infinite Campus informing them of their balance, according to district spokeswoman Brenda Throop.

“If the balance continues to be negative, the Principals connect with families via an email or phone call,” she wrote in an April 9 email. “If the balance continues to be negative, letters are sent to families from the School Nutrition Director.”

From there, the district tries to accommodate the families by using its Angel Fund to offset the balances if the family is in a hardship. Additionally, the district works with families to encourage them to apply for free and reduced meals if they qualify, according to Throop.

The school district has a policy that allows it to use collection agencies.

“At this time, we're not referring any families out to collections,” Throop wrote.

Individuals and organizations sometimes donate money to help pay down the meal debt balance. This is accomplished through the district's Angel Fund program, which is used for students whose families are facing financial hardship.

"By supporting this fund, you help relieve the financial burden on families while ensuring students can enjoy nutritious meals through the National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs, which meet strict USDA nutrition standards with balanced portions of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins," reads a statement from the district.

For more information about the Angel Fund, including how to donate, visit https://app.givebacks.gives/bsdstudentmeals/Campaign/Details.