It used to be if a student in the Edmonds schools didn't have money for lunch, he or she would get what was called a "courtesy lunch" -- a free cheese sandwich, some raisins, and milk. It came in a brown bag instead of a blue tray and kids soon figured that out -- that brown bag was sort of a scarlet letter of poverty.
"There was a stigma. There were students who would decline the meal," said district spokeswoman Debbie Joyce Jakala. "We can't emphasize enough how much we value the importance of a child having that mid-day meal."
To avoid that situation this year the district started allowing everyone to eat regular meals regardless of their ability to pay.
That means even if you can afford a lunch, you don't necessarily have to pay at school.
The district will send you a bill.
Right now, more than 2,100 students already owe the district more than $33,000; $26,000 of that is from students the district has determined can afford to pay.
It has some wondering if it's all just an honest oversight.
"I don't think people should game the system," said taxpayer Pete Mentele. "It's intended for people who don't have sufficient money. When you do have sufficient money, you should pay your way."
Kari Betzold is a parent in the district. She is more understanding.
"I don't know if they're beating the system or if they're just forgetting to pay," she said. "We should give them the benefit of the doubt, for sure."
Right now, Edmonds is on track to finish the year $106,000 in the red if those parents don't pay up. In 2010 the district found itself $139,000 in the hole due to lunch debt and ended up eating much of that.
The district is vowing that will not happen again. Officials are communicating with families and making sure everyone knows there is no such thing as a free lunch for those who can afford it.
"There is still a parental responsibility to make sure the money that was extended is paid back," said Jakala.
