Gaylor said the foundation got involved in the Middleton controversy at the request of students, but backed off when students said the group's presence was fueling the controversy.

“They just thought we should drop it because there was so much division,” she said of the students.

She said the Jesus Lunch organizers are taking advantage of a “captive audience” by offering food to hungry students with the aim of pushing religion.

She predicted the effort to expand will prompt a strong response, especially at Memorial, where she said, “you’re dealing with a very highly educated population of parents, high-achieving students.”

But she said a number of students will undoubtedly be drawn by the promise of a meal.

“There’s always going to be those hungry students who want a free lunch,” she said.

Helbach said no one's forcing anybody to come.

"It’s optional if a kid wants to come," she said. "And we welcome anyone who wants to come and learn about the Bible."

Share your opinion on this topic by sending a letter to the editor to tctvoice@madison.com. Include your full name, hometown and phone number. Your name and town will be published. The phone number is for verification purposes only. Please keep your letter to 250 words or less.

Get Election 2020 & Politics updates in your inbox! Keep up on the latest in national and local politics as Election 2020 comes into focus. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.