School’s bid to boost participation proves controversial

RICHMOND, Mo. — Some parents in Richmond were upset Monday night when their children came home from public school with a note about ice cream at lunch.

Announcing “Frozen Friday”, the note explained a new school lunch incentive program. It said kids could buy ice cream for $1 at lunch if they bought a meal from the school cafeteria or got it for free or reduced price – but not if they brought lunch from home.

“We will not be offering this to the kids who bring their lunch from home because we are trying to get them to eat our school lunch, and to also help our school lunch program, which also helps our school district,” the note read.

Excluding certain children angered parents, several of whom sent emails to Fox 4 with concerns.

“It just made me really upset, mad, disappointed in our school district,” said one mother who asked Fox 4 not to reveal her name to protect her young son. “It irritated me that they weren’t giving a fair opportunity to everybody.”

Another man emailed us saying, “Parents all over town are outraged by this letter. Most of our children take their lunch due to food preference or medical/allergy reasons and should not be ‘bribed’ to eat school lunch.”