Chobani to pay Rhode Island school lunch debt District said $77,000 owed
(File photo via AP)
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.
Copyright 2019 by WKMG ClickOrlando. The Associated Press contributed to this report. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
City’s handling of chaotic Daytona Beach weekend questioned amid pop-up event, shootings ▶ 0:36
City’s handling of chaotic Daytona Beach weekend questioned amid pop-up event, shootings
Did you know Florida sells your driver data? Lawmakers failed to pass a bill to restrict it ▶ 0:36
Did you know Florida sells your driver data? Lawmakers failed to pass a bill to restrict it
‘God was on his side’: South Daytona officer in stable condition after being shot during pursuit ▶ 0:09
‘God was on his side’: South Daytona officer in stable condition after being shot during pursuit
‘Troubling’ video surfaces of Daytona Beach officer during arrest, mayor says ▶ 2:08
‘Troubling’ video surfaces of Daytona Beach officer during arrest, mayor says
Orlando City SC talks about coaching change ▶ 1:17
Orlando City SC talks about coaching change
NASA announces April launch date for Artemis II ▶ 0:52
NASA announces April launch date for Artemis II
Florida woman accused of letting newborn drown in toilet get bond ▶ 0:55
Florida woman accused of letting newborn drown in toilet get bond
Why the Strait of Hormuz matters to gas prices ▶ 1:25
Why the Strait of Hormuz matters to gas prices
Pulse Orlando sign removed as city prepares for club’s demolition ▶ 1:17
Pulse Orlando sign removed as city prepares for club’s demolition
Murder plot sought to resurrect Sandy Hook shooter at Lake Brantley High School, records show ▶ 0:45
Murder plot sought to resurrect Sandy Hook shooter at Lake Brantley High School, records show
Hidden camera videos show casinos allegedly tied to suspended sheriff Marcos Lopez ▶ 0:35
Hidden camera videos show casinos allegedly tied to suspended sheriff Marcos Lopez
3 Apps To Save Money At The Pump ▶ 1:00
3 Apps To Save Money At The Pump
Thief steals thousands from Volusia veteran group’s bank account ▶ 0:35
Thief steals thousands from Volusia veteran group’s bank account
'We have a mental health crisis' ▶ 1:46
'We have a mental health crisis'
Septic-to-sewer conversion could cost Port St. John homeowners up to $100K ▶ 1:01
Septic-to-sewer conversion could cost Port St. John homeowners up to $100K
Residents push back as 5G towers rise near Winter Springs homes, state law ties city’s hands ▶ 0:30
Residents push back as 5G towers rise near Winter Springs homes, state law ties city’s hands
Why does it rain before a cold front? Candace Explains ▶ 0:49
Why does it rain before a cold front? Candace Explains
'Blatantly Honest' Foundation hosts charity golf tournement for mental health ▶ 0:40
'Blatantly Honest' Foundation hosts charity golf tournement for mental health
Races to watch in Orange County ▶ 2:17
Races to watch in Orange County
‘Didn’t think this one through:’ Volusia sheriff confronts woman accused of scamming thousands ▶ 0:49
‘Didn’t think this one through:’ Volusia sheriff confronts woman accused of scamming thousands
Luxury cars, watches in Dubai: Judge freezes Ponzi scheme defendant’s assets ▶ 1:07
Luxury cars, watches in Dubai: Judge freezes Ponzi scheme defendant’s assets
Toucan on the lam spotted near Orlando spa ▶ 0:40
Toucan on the lam spotted near Orlando spa
Florida House approves new license plate bill. Here’s what happens next ▶ 0:55
Florida House approves new license plate bill. Here’s what happens next
Toucan on the lam spotted near Orlando spa ▶ 1:57
Toucan on the lam spotted near Orlando spa
BLOCKBUSTER STORE IN ORLANDO ▶ 0:52
BLOCKBUSTER STORE IN ORLANDO
Previous photo Next photo 