The first reports said Newton North students are no longer allowed to eat lunch at the Tiger’s Loft Bistro, reportedly because it violated federal guidelines. But the Globe refuted that a few weeks ago, pinning the blame instead on a contractual matter…

Newton’s associate city solicitor, Ouida Young, said in her reading of the federal guideline, it prevents competition from other food programs during lunch times.

But the federal regulations only address food served in the school cafeteria, not in a separate restaurant, according to John Magnarelli, regional director for special nutrition programs at the US Department of Agriculture.

Today the Globe editorializes on the matter...

….Newton school officials should work harder to strike a deal with Whitsons to allow students to serve fellow students.