Sioux Falls Parents Get Troubling Email Concerning School Meals

Sioux Falls Public Schools sent out an email to parents concerning not paying for meals eaten by their child. It has some people questioning what's going on.

Sioux Falls is South Dakota's biggest city yet it appears there are some real challenges making sure all the kids get hot lunches. 

Here is the email that was sent to Sioux Falls parents via Myschoolapps.com...

"Growing debt from unpaid meals is forcing the Sioux Falls School District to make fiscally responsible changes. On Friday, December 1, 2023, all negative meal accounts will be reset to a zero balance thanks to generous donors.

Starting Monday, December 4, the District will be enforcing school board policy.

When an account has any amount of negative balance, breakfast will not be able to be charged.

Once an account reaches a negative (-)$20 balance, the student will be offered a Smart Snack and a milk rather than a hot lunch and $1 will be charged each time to the student account.

Once an account reaches a negative (-)$75 balance, no Smart Snack or meal can be served.

Any student who qualifies for Free/Reduced Meals because of limited family income IS and WILL CONTINUE to receive hot meals.

The debt, in question, is accruing because those who earn more than the federally identified income – and/or have not filled out a Free/Reduced Meal Application - are not paying for meals eaten by their child(ren).

If you haven’t completed a Free/Reduced Meal Application this school year, but believe you may qualify, immediate action is requested.

Those who apply, but are denied between today and December 1, 2023 MAY still qualify for incremental assistance if additional funds become available.