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A regular free lunch event that includes Christian religious teachings has created controversy at Middleton High School.

The noontime meetings, known as “Jesus Lunches” by some students, have been organized by a handful of parents since fall 2014. While it started small, with parents inviting their own children and their friends to sit outside for free food and spiritual talks, it has expanded to a much larger event, putting the organizers and district administrators in conflict over its legality, according to an email district officials sent to parents Tuesday.

Superintendent Donald Johnson and high school Principal Stephen Plank wrote that they have voiced concerns to the organizers and asked for an end to the lunches, which take place across from the school at Fireman’s Park.

The school district leases the park during school hours, the email said, so policies that apply to the school campus extend to the park during that time. Those include rules about food safety and food preparation, food allergy procedures and visitor policies.