PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Just days after a KOIN 6 News story about the fact student at Portland public schools weren’t allowed to buy à la carte milk this year, district officials reversed their policy.
In a statement released by the district, à la carte milk sales are now allowed.
“In an effort to contain growing unpaid student meal debt, the district made a decision to discontinue a la carte milk sales at the beginning of the school year. However, after hearing the concerns of students, families and educators, the district has re-evaluated this situation and reversed our decision. In addition to à la carte sales, milk continues to be served as part of our free and reduced lunch program and with purchased student meals.”
Just last week, PPS cited Oregon House Bill 3454, which prohibits school officials from talking to students about their meal accounts.
PPS said they were stuck with a $200,000 bill last year from unpaid meal debt, and a la carte milk was part of that.
The district said not selling individual milk cartons is a way to reduce milk carton waste.
KOIN 6 News will have more information as it develops.