Hull, Iowa — Calling it too restrictive, Western Christian High School has opted out of the National Hot Lunch Program this year, due to increasing red tape and stifling regulations.
Western Christian Principal Dan Barkel says the federally subsidized program was no longer working very well for Western.
Barkel says some of the regulations forced the school to serve unappetizing, and in some cases insufficient lunches to their students.
While opting out of the National Hot Lunch Program deprives the school of the federal subsidy that goes along with participation, Barkel says they have found ways to offset the loss of that subsidy.
He says leaving the National Hot Lunch Program also gives Western the opportunity to accept private donations of foodstuffs for their program.
Barkel says that so far the new lunch program is working well for the school, and the school, the cooks, and the students all seem to appreciate the freedom it provides.
Barkel says if there are any ag producers interested in helping out the Western Christian Lunch Program with donated meat, you can contact the school at 712-439-1013.
