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DANVERS, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — A cold treat is the subject of a heated debate among Danvers parents and school officials.
The Danvers School Committee moved to eliminate all food-based fundraisers, including the sale of popular slush drinks, during the school day in Danvers Public Schools.
School Food Services Director Emily Cook told the School Committee at a meeting Monday that it was the School Wellness Committee's recommendation to do away with the fundraisers, and that slush in particular did not meet the nutritional standards of the U.S. Food & Drug Administration. Should the school system be audited, it would put the district's free lunch funding in jeopardy.
Members of the Parents Advisory Council are upset with the move, saying the removal of slush means less fun for kids and fewer funds for cultural programs. They argued during public comment that the fundraisers earn around $4,000 per year that goes toward school culture and enrichment programs.
"We want the kids to go to school here to enjoy their time," parent Rebecca Franke told WBZ NewsRadio. "And so I’m often confused why we continue to chip away at things that make it such a great place."
According to Franke, she contacted the USDA to ask if there are any rules banning fundraisers and got told no.
The School Committee will host a wider debate on the slush sales at its August meeting.
WBZ's Madison Rogers (@MadisonWBZ) reports.
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