Free Lunch for K-12 in WA State: Yay or Nay?
Some kids take it for granted when their parents pack them a tasty lunch each day for school with their favorite sandwiches and snacks included.
With the high cost of food & snacks, some households fall short. Trying to get kids out the door on time with something nutritious with them can be a daunting task.
You may think you are 'pinching pennies' on your monthly food bill but there are always people that have far worse circumstances. For some, even the basic necessities are hard to come by. This has not been an easy economy for anyone.
You may have seen a Komo News story about Governor Bob Ferguson pushing for free school breakfasts and lunches for all K-12 Students in Washington State.
Where will the money come from
Obviously, our taxes will be increased if this is approved. But, honestly, isn't feeding hungry people something we should all find important?
When I taught Radio Broadcasting at Tri-Tech Skills Center, I was impressed that both breakfast and lunch was served at the school free of charge.
I also noted that they tried to make the lunches healthy and added some carrots, broccoli, and fruit each day.
Most of which was tossed in the garbage by students. However, the effort was noble and a fabulous idea.
The logistics behind getting healthy nutritious food to students is a bit more difficult and costly.
Anytime you make food someplace else in bulk amounts to feed hundreds, the task gets more difficult. The prepackaged pre-made often processed food was far from tasty and ended up to be not very healthy.
I grew up in the mountains of Santa Cruz CA. We were a very health-conscious community even back in the 70's. I remember a really great Salad Bar that had everything in the cafeteria. We would load our bowls and pay by weight for our salads but they were fantastic!
They had an ample kitchen and made fresh French Bread daily. Yogurt was available as well as other pretty healthy choices. But, these were not free meals and came with a hefty price.
The newly sworn-in governor said he is working with Rep. April Berg and Sen. Marcus Riccelli on the legislation. Berg confirmed to KOMO News on Thursday the program would cost taxpayers approximately $108 million per year. She added that about 70% of students get free meals, and the program would benefit the remaining 30% and could have a significant impact on educational outcomes.
Would money be better spent elsewhere? Maybe? But What else matters if you're so hungry you can't even think about anything else? For some kids, it will be the only food they get that day. Keep that in mind.
Check out the full Video from KOMO News and let me know what you think. Send me an app chat!
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