Breaking Rules to Feed Hungry Kids
Debbie Solsman handed out extra meals to students who couldn’t pay, often using her own money.
The longtime cafeteria worker lost her job for giving away food without payment at Denver Place Elementary in Wilmington, Ohio.
Fourteen Years on the Job Ends Abruptly
The district said she failed to properly account for food sales and gave food without payment, including to her own grandchildren.
School District’s Stand on Student Meals
The district confirmed every student receives a complete meal regardless of account balance or payment status.
No child is denied a full lunch, they stated, emphasizing their policy on providing meals.
Solsman Would Do It Again
She admitted breaking the rules but said she would repeat her actions if given the chance.
"I miss them terribly, and I love them very much," Solsman said about the students she fed beyond what was allowed.
The incident sparked media coverage and discussions on school lunch policies, putting the spotlight on how districts handle unpaid meals.