Yogurt company Chobani to pay Rhode Island school lunch debt

A school district had announced this week that kids who owe money for lunches would get cold sandwiches instead of hot meals.|
ASSOCIATED PRESS
BY ASSOCIATED PRESS

PROVIDENCE, R.I. - Yogurt company Chobani says it will pay the school lunch debt of low-income families with students attending a Rhode Island school district.

Warwick Public Schools made national news when it announced this week that children in families who owe money for school lunches would get cold sunflower butter and jelly sandwiches instead of a hot meal.

The district said it was owed $77,000 and couldn't assume more debt. The district later reversed the decision.

Chobani founder and CEO Hamdi Ulukaya said in a statement Thursday that as a parent, the news broke his heart. He says access to nutritious food should be a right, not a privilege.

The mayor's office confirmed Friday it's coordinating with Chobani to accept nearly $50,000, the amount owed by low-income families.

Other businesses and organizations have offered to donate.

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