ATTLEBORO, Mass. (AP) -- School officials say as many as 25 students at a Massachusetts school were denied lunch this week because they either could not pay or their pre-paid accounts did not contain enough money.

Outraged parents say some students at Coelho Middle School in Attleboro cried when they were told by a worker they could not eat on Tuesday.

Superintendent Pia Durkin tells The Sun Chronicle that a worker for the contractor that provides lunch service at city schools has been suspended. She has also scheduled a meeting with officials at the company, Whitsons Culinary Group.

Meanwhile, workers have been told not to deny a meal to any child.

Holly Von Seggern, vice president for marketing and community relations for Whitsons, says the company apologizes and is investigating.