A Washington Junior High student in Bentonville prepared for a normal day in the lunch room, but when it came time to check out, she didn’t have enough to cover the bill.
The student was forced to return her food and was told to go to the office to call a parent. That never happened, so the child never ate.
“We are going to do everything we can to make sure this never happens again,” said Principal Tim Sparacino.
Sparacino said administrators have now changed the policy to where kids will receive a lunch no matter what.
"We are to feed every kid, every day no matter what it takes and rather than send them to the office where they are potentially embarrassed," said Sparacino.
One student said he has had the same thing happen to him.
“I was getting lunch and I was a dollar in the hole and they wouldn`t let me eat, so I had to put my food back,” said Josh Smart.
Parents like Aaron Smart said that's unacceptable.
“I don`t think that they should not let them have lunch just because of a small negative balance,” said Smart.
Sparacino said they are aware that this has happened more than once, but plan to ensure no student ever misses lunch again.
The principal also said the new plan allows the student to receive a meal and the cafeteria will then notify the office who will then talk to the parents.