LEXINGTON — Davidson County students who repeatedly forget their lunch money may wind up with a cold sandwich rather than a hot meal.

WGHP-TV reported Thursday that the Davidson County Board of Education hopes to avoid unpaid lunch fees, which last year totaled $46,000.

Schools spokeswoman Brittany Benge says covering such debt means less money for salaries and school equipment.

Board members are considering nightly phone calls to parents who are more than $11 behind. Cafeterias also would serve debtor-students a modified lunch, consisting mainly of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

When a student’s unpaid lunch fees approach $40, the account would be referred to a collection agency.

Benge says anyone who can’t afford the $2.50 meals can sign up for the state’s free- and reduced-price lunch program.