In our schools, kids are given one "gratis" regular lunch if they don't pay. After that, they get only a cheese sandwich and milk until their account is rectified. My kids don't have to worry; I make their lunches. They don't even want to buy the school's offerings. Not only because of taste but because with a scant 30 minutes for lunch, they hardly have time to eat as it is, much less stand in line.
At our school, they are allowed to charge until about $15, and the school sends a collection letter. If payment is not received after a week, they give the kids a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and a carton of milk.
My grand daughter takes her lunch. She can’t stand most of the school lunches.