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Chobani Pledges Donations to Help Families in RI School Lunch Debt

Warwick Public Schools came under fire for its decision to serve cold sandwiches to students whose family owe the district money over school lunches

Chobani has reportedly offered donations to help cover the ongoing $77,000 school lunch debt in Warwick, Rhode Island Public Schools.

"Every child should have access to natural, nutritious and delicious food," Chobani Founder and CEO Hamdi Ulukaya said on Twitter. "So Chobani is doing our small part to help pay this debt."

The Rhode Island school district was under fire after it announced it would begin serving cold sandwiches instead of hot lunches to students who owe lunch money. Warwick Mayor Joseph Solomon Jr. and the public were vocal about their opposition to the school’s decision to serve sunflower butter and jelly sandwiches to students whose families are in lunch debt.

Warwick Public Schools later reversed that decision.

WJAR reports the district twice declined a donation offer of $4,000 from area restaurant owner, Angelica Penta. Now, Warwick Public Schools is working with attorneys to determine a way to accept donations.

In addition to their financial contributions to the district, Chobani has also pledged to donate yogurt to the community. It is also encouraging other businesses to join them in helping affected families settle their debt.

"We need everywhere around the country to eliminate this forever," Ulukaya said in a video posted on Twitter.

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