In tough economic times, students at one metro Detroit school are selling candy to help raise money to pay for their lunches.

Students are Pardee Elementary in Dearborn Heights are calling the fundraiser a "sweet deal."

"Kids' lunches accounts have been going in the negative and it's just really been bothering me," said Nancy Jordan, who helped pioneer the idea at the school. "We really just have to be able to do something for these families."

The entire box of candy costs $56, returning a profit of $24 and covering the cost of 13 school lunches.

Despite their parents not being able to afford their entire lunch bill, one in four of the students don't qualify for free or reduced meals.

Lunches at the school cost about $1.85.

"I have a part-time job making $8.50 an hour at a greenhouse, I lost my job at a flower shop and I could use all the help I can right now," said mother Dawn Berry.

Berry's son Teagan said he's having a good time selling the candy to help pay for his lunch. "You get to make a lot of money," he said.

Jenny Lovell's husband was recently laid off from General Motors.

"We appreciate it. And we appreciate everybody that's bought anything from us too because I know everyone's having a tough time," the mother of two said.

Mother of five Mary Heady said she and her husband take the boxes of candy to work, where they sell out quick.

"Half of the money goes into their account, so we should be all right," Heady said.

The idea is spreading throughout the entire district, all the way up to high school.

Parents need only sign a form and pick up their box.

source: clickondetroit

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