HR Director fires lunch lady who gave meal to hungry child

A dinner lady at a school has been dismissed for giving a free meal to a pupil who could not afford to pay for it.

Dalene Bowden was sacked from her job at the Pocatello Middle School in Idaho, USA, after handing out one free lunch; despite the fact the meal itself cost less than £1.50. Bowden even offered to pay for the meal out of her own pocket, however, she was told to pack up her belongings and leave by the School District Board.

Susan Petit, HR Director of the Pocatello District, told Bowden in a letter: “The reason for your termination is due to your theft-stealing [of] school district or another’s property and inaccurate transactions when ordering, receiving and serving food.

“Consequently, because of the nature of your actions the district will not be maintaining your employment in any capacity.”