That card is a ticket to the head of the lunch line. The kids who don't get a card go to the back of the line.

A parent told a Tampa TV station the "no-card kids either have a 'C' or a conduct issue. They eat last."

The "no-card kids," the parent said, sometimes get only 10 minutes to eat after waiting at the end of the line.

School principal Colleen Faucet told the station she would make sure all students have enough time to eat, but she did not indicate plans to stop the incentive program, saying only two parents had complained, out of a school population of 600 students.

The school's program now has gained national attention. A petition was launched on Change.org for people who want to voice their concern and opposition to the school's "incentive card" program.

Some of those who don't like the school's program do support incentives -- just not in the lunch line.

About the Author

Keep Reading

The quadrangle at Oxford College of Emory University. The university announced Wednesday it will be tuition-free for undergraduates whose families earn less than $200,000. (Courtesy of Kay Hinton)

Credit: Kay Hinton

Featured

The city of Atlanta opened Azalea Fresh Market downtown to help residents find affordable groceries. (Natrice Miller/AJC)