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The Morristown-Hamblen High School East Cafeteria is raising money to help cover student’s lunch debt.

“We have a lot lunch charges that we are trying to get paid off for student and all of the money we raise will go straight to students’ charges,” said Katherine Brady, East High Cafeteria manger.

The fresh baked cinnamon rolls can be purchased $2 for one or $10 for 6 and the last day to pre order is Monday Jan. 23.

“People can get as many as they want; there is no limit to how many they purchase and the cinnamon rolls are homemade and are baked fresh in our kitchen,” Brady said.

Brady highlighted the importance of the community supporting the fundraiser.

“This is for the kids. It’s the main reason we’re doing this.” Brady said. “They shouldn’t have to worry about lunch charges. We’re trying to get that burden away from them.”

“I encourage everyone to help support the kids and put them first so they don’t have to worry about money and can just focus on learning.”

Purchasers will pick up orders Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the back of the East High cafeteria.

The large amount of charges come after USDA chose not approve waivers allowing Hamblen County Schools to provide free lunch to students regardless of income status.

Therefore, the only students allowed to receive free lunch are those whose application has been approved based on income.

Although the cafeteria is working diligently to cover students debts, the district still encourages parents to sign up for reduce/free lunch.

“We encourage all parents to apply, because there is no harm in doing so,” said Jennifer Buchanan, Hamblen County School Nutrition Supervisor. “Their children may not be approved for free lunch but they could get reduced lunch which lowers the cost significantly.”

If a student is on reduced lunch the cost per meal drops to 40 cents regardless of the grade level.

The free and reduced meal applications can be found on the school district’s website and can be filled out anytime throughout the school year.

If you need assistance on completing the application or have any questions contact the child’s school directly.

To purchase cinnamon rolls to cover students lunch debt call 423-585-3816 or email bradyk14@hcboe.net.