since the kids are young, most of them probably don't know the difference between the items in the meal, and a la carte - so they'd end up spending a lot extra, or having trouble paying if their card is restricted to meal, holding up the line. I think the advice is meant to speed them through the line without lot of putting things back at the register - less embarrassing for FARMS kids and kids whose parents restrict them. Having him try saying "ok, I'll buy that as an extra item." it might settle the whole thing. It's hard with shy kids because they never ask the follow up questions that might clear up the whole thing. Less shy kids probably navigated it right there and didn't have any issue to bring home.

They definitely think he's on FARMS. Please have him speak up and also it may be worth it for you to visit and make sure this doesn't happen to other kids.

when I say "delineated" I mean that FARMS funds are put into a SNAP account for these children, so they just use their number like all the paying children.

My son is white, non FARMS, and never had a problem buying whatever he wanted at Westland through his SNAP account. Interesting dilemma ... I don't think the FARMS kids are delineated from the non-FARMS kids when it comes to the lunch line, so it sounds like they were making assumptions.

Only 10% of the students are on FARMs, but half of those kids are black. They think he's on FARMs. It would be a good lesson to teach him to speak up, but I would call ahead and find out what's going on. Then if you find out there is no reason for him to be prohibited from buying more, help him find the right words to stand up for himself.

Westland is only 12% AA. It's possible that they are assuming he is FARMS and also possible that they are confusing him with another kid that they know is FARMS. Either way, I think PP has a good point about speaking up. At this age, though, I would also call the cafeteria manager and explain the problem and make sure that they aren't making assumptions about children based on race or ethnicity. This is a management issue and the cafeteria manager needs to know.

PP's must have white kids. Yes they think he is FARMS. You need to teach him to speak up and say he pays for his lunch and he has money on his card. It is a good life lesson to learn that if you are AA or Latino people make assumptions when they look at you, and you need to speak up for yourself without being rude back.

I don't think you have to mention the word FARMS. Any child with money on their account should be able to buy a la carte items..even if they also receive a FARMs meal.