Surge in Meals for School Children

Everyone agrees that school children need decent meals while at school, and at home, to give them a better chance for success. An alarming article appeared in the Nov. 30th New York Times (front page) discussing the huge upward trend of more students needing, and qualifying for, government sponsored food provided through the schools.

The article divulged the fact that subsidized lunches rose to 21 million last school year, up from 18 million in 2006-07. Yes, inner cities were hard hit relative to more students receiving food. But the spike in those seeking assistance didn't hit these traditional areas.

As the economy has hit a rough patch, lots of middle class families have turned to the subsidized lunch program for help. In Rochester, New York, home to many engineers and technicians who have lost their jobs, a good number of families have turned to the school to ask for help relative to providing their children with free lunches.

Since 2006-07, the Department of Agriculture reports that ALL 50 states have shown increases in the number of students who participate in the free lunch program. Maybe that's not surprising given the growth in overall population. However, the growth rate of those need food assistance has skyrocketed in many of these states. The USDA reports that 'eleven states had 4-year increases of 25% or more in meal programs.

All of this points back to arguments I have made in the past concerning jobs, schooling, poverty and the opportunity for student success. If jobs and careers aren't available, the cycle of poverty, crime and student dropping out of school continues unabated.

It is hard enough to get a decent shot at the 'American Dream' but, going without a decent education and the proper nutrition just tarnishes the chance of making the dream come true.

I, for one, applaud having food programs in schools. It is a wise use of federal monies. I have been in many schools where students received subsidized food and I can't ever recall seeing the food wasted!

Dick