An Alabama principal is encouraging students to bring canned goods to school to be used as weapons. 

The principal promoted the throwing of canned goods in defense of potential predators, The Huffington Post reports. 

"We realise at first this may seem odd; however, it is a practice that would catch an intruder off guard," W.F. Burns Middle School Principal Priscella Holley said in a letter to parents last week. 

"The canned food item could stun the intruder or even knock him out until the police arrive," she continued.

"The canned food item will give the students a sense of empowerment to protect themselves and will make them feel secure in case an intruder enters their classroom."

The cans were to be used as a last resort in the event of a school invasion. The makeshift weapons will be stored inside of classrooms, not carried with students. 

The letter followed an employee training session at Auburn University's Department of Public Safety, Chambers County Schools Superintendent Kelli Hodge told The Associated Press.

"If somebody is going to force their way through, then as the last resort you would start throwing any objects you could get your hands on," Hodge explained.

"If it comes to the situation that they are forced to do that, then they are a target because they've not been able to evacuate," she told reporters.

Unused canned goods will be donated to a local food pantry at the end of the school year.

"We hope the canned food items will never be used or needed, but it is best to be prepared," Hodge said. 

"We had a meeting at the school last night to try to educate parents on it because there had been such a stir."