Lunch time is starting to look a lot different for many Niles High School students.

Starting Tuesday, Niles High School students were no longer able to charge meals to the school. High School students are the only students in the district to be affected by this policy; elementary and middle school students may still charge meals.

On Oct. 16, Niles Community Schools posted a Facebook post announcing the change, resulting in a flurry of comments ranging from confused to upset, wondering if their child will go hungry should they be short on funds.

In a submitted column, Superintendent for Niles Community Schools Dr. Dan Applegate acknowledged the change, while addressing some concerns parents had.

“This was a difficult decision that was not made hastily, and not before a variety of options were explored,” Applegate said in his column.

The change in the policy resulting in high school students no longer being able to charge lunch to family accounts was prompted by high unpaid balances in the high school. These unpaid balances resulted in large amounts of debt for the school district.

Over several years, the unpaid balances for meals district-wide rose to $18,000, with $12,000 of those unpaid balances coming from the high school, according to district officials.

“We realize the challenge this dilemma [the change in charging policy] poses to our families,” Applegate said. “It is also essential that we act as responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars.”

District officials said the change in policy is in line with what other districts are doing, and that many school districts do not allow charging at the high school level.

For students who do not bring a packed lunch and cannot charge for lunch will have an alternative meal of a cheese or vegetarian sandwich provided to them.

The district is also encouraging those who are in need and qualify to apply to the free and reduced lunch program which will allow their children to access hot lunch free of charge. The district also noted that, in certain situations, hardship applications can be filled out and processed by the district to give those who do not typically qualify access to the free and reduced lunch program.

“There will never be a situation in which a child will not be offered a meal as a result of our policy,” officials said.

Despite the change, Niles Community Schools are still committed to student excellence, Applegate said in his column.

“At Niles Community Schools, a safe and conducive learning environment where all children can thrive is our first priority,” Applegate said. “We continue to review best practices of neighboring districts and others across the state to make sure out students receive the support necessary to thrive.”

Applegate said that he is open to receive insight and support from the community to determine how the district will move forward.

All feedback can be directed to the superintendent’s office, at (269) 683-0732.