Six months after Congress decided not to extend the universal free school meals program, many parents are having to budget extra money for their kid's school lunches.  This impact is being felt in Poland--where students have charged thousands of dollars.

"300, 400 kids charging upwards of amounts more than 10,000 dollars in school lunches.", said Poland Superintendent Craig Hockenberry.

Hockenberry says more than 1,000 kids took part in the free breakfast program during the heart of the pandemic, but that number has dwindled to around 50 kids. He also attributes that decrease, to the increases in charges at lunchtime.

"We know how important a healthy diet is and a healthy lunch is...and the positive impact that can have in the classroom.", Hockenberry added.

The Poland Superintendent tells 21 News they won't cut off students and are working with parents to pay off the charges.

"It seems like they are either used to the routine of getting it free--or there are people that are just struggling.", he explained.

When it comes to long-term solutions, Hockenberry says he's in favor of a universal approach that would feed all kids breakfast and lunch across the Buckeye state.

Superintendents at School Districts like Austintown Fitch and South Range tell me they aren't seeing these harsh impacts. Velina Jo Taylor at Lakeview, tells me it wasn't as bad as they anticipated and that they received donations to cover lunch charges.