VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Virginia Beach school officials say student meal debt is increasing this year, and they want parents to know about the options available to them.

Whether parents have outstanding meal debt they need to pay, they need to apply for free lunch for their child, or they even may want to donate to help pay off the meal debt of other students, it is possible.

The current total active student meal debt sits at about $258,000 from the last two school years, officials said during Tuesday’s School Board work session.

In compliance with a state law, officials said, they never deny students a hot meal, take one away after it has been served, or require them to do chores to pay for meals. They also do not identify students who receive free meals.

“I am Godly proud that you do n

See Full Page