Council bosses mistakenly warned children would be refused hot meals and only allowed tap water if they had school lunch debt of more than £10.
They were accused of “Dickensian” methods by parents in East Dunbartonshire who said the new policy is almost punishing families for struggling.
The council communication informed parents that any child with £10 or more on their cashless account would generate a letter being sent home, and “the child will receive soup and sandwiches, no milk or juice just tap water, until the debt is serviced.”
It also said larger debts would be passed to the local authority for enforcement.
It prompted a storm of protest. Community activist Alex O’Kane said: “East Dunbartonshire Management are starting to adopt the mindset of Ebenezer Scrooge.
“This sounds more like something out of Dickens’ novel A Christmas Carol especially given this time of year. Seriously? What a cold- hearted, Scrooge-like and humiliating plan to deal with hungry and less fortunate school kids.”
He added: “I understand the pressures on every local authority. They should not be punishing children if their parents are struggling to top up their food credit cards.”
One parent said: “One teacher told me that there are parents who ‘milk the system”. What chance do children in that area have when the staff are making judgments on the families.
"Absolutely deplorable behaviour.”
The council yesterday said the letter was issued in error and maintained they will always ensure children have access to a range of meals.
