WARWICK, R.I. (AP) – Warwick schools have delayed a policy that would have them begin to serve cold sandwiches instead of hot lunches to students whose families owe lunch money.

Warwick Public Schools says it is owed more than $40,000 from outstanding lunch payments and cannot afford to absorb the costs.

A local restaurant owner wrote on Facebook that the district twice turned down a $4,000 donation for the lunch debt. WPRO’s Tara Granahan Show was the first to speak with Angelica Penta from Gel’s Kitchen about her offer.

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The district responded in a statement saying it must treat all students equally and cannot single out which debts to reduce.

The district recommended the donor take applications and decide who receives the money.

Later Wednesday Warwick Mayor Joseph Solomon issued a statement on the policy:

“The decision by the Warwick School Committee to implement this policy is upsetting not only to me, but to many residents of our community. Continuing this policy could impact our children’s social development. It also sends the wrong message to our students regarding what the City of Warwick is actually about – ensuring that our students are in a positive environment where they can focus on learning, develop strong relationships, and not be distracted by other issues. I am very concerned about the negative effect this policy is having on our City, but more importantly, about the impact this could have on students throughout their life.

“The School Committee is reportedly willing to reexamine their policies regarding donations from outside organizations and individuals, but they need to address the underlying management issues that created this issue in the first place.”

A GoFundMe page has been set up to pay down the debt, and the story gained national legs on Wednesday following Granahan’s interview.

Listen to “Angelica Penta Gel’s Kitchen” on Spreaker.