Johnston High School Students use boycott to protest lunches

The Provide Journal, page B1 – March 10, 1976

On March 9th, a majority of students at Johnston High School boycotted purchasing lunch from the cafeteria to protest the high cost and poor quality of the food. Only 25 students (out of a total of 500) bought food that day. The demonstration was an attempt to improve the state food program, which provides food for Johnston public schools. Students say that the school is overcharging for food they can buy cheaper elsewhere. The Rhode Island governor at the time suggested an increase of 10 cents per day for lunch next year, with the current price set a 50 cents. 

Students distributed pamphlets that read:

“Boycott! Let’s boycott all food sold in the cafeteria. We must boycott to improve the quality of lunches. Bring your own lunch and boycott!”

“If you are displeased with the quality of hot lunches, please boycott, Do Not Buy! If you are displeased with the price of Drake’s Cakes, please boycott. Do Not Buy!”