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Gertyrae
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Member since 5/05 20046 total posts
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Gerty ®
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Re: Cheese Sandwiches
Posted by Jenn627
Posted by Blu-ize
it's not the cheese sandwiches (although lactose intolerance does come to mind), it's the program, the parents and the stigma attached to it.
the stigma???? how so? If you're poor, you're poor. Parents AND children should have to deal with it. Why does everyone feel the need to shelter kids from everything. Like now, some schools can't use red pens? I think it's ridiculous.
If a kid is lactose-intolerant, I'm SURE if the school is notified, they'll provide him/her with something different.
Perfectly said....If your parents can't afford to pay for your lunch, it's a simple fact. The child has to learn to deal with it.
Does that mean that if Johnny's parents buy him a toy and Joey's can't afford it, Joey's parents should charge the toy so Joey doesn't feel the "stigma" of not being able to afford the toy.
IMO, kids should know where they stand, good or bad...because it provides them with coping skills for the future as opposed to making everything wonderful and as these kids grow up they can't handle realities.
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Posted 2/26/09 12:35 PM  |
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Ophelia
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remember, when Gulliver traveled....
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Re: Cheese Sandwiches
Posted by Gertyrae
Posted by Jenn627
Posted by Blu-ize
it's not the cheese sandwiches (although lactose intolerance does come to mind), it's the program, the parents and the stigma attached to it.
the stigma???? how so? If you're poor, you're poor. Parents AND children should have to deal with it. Why does everyone feel the need to shelter kids from everything. Like now, some schools can't use red pens? I think it's ridiculous.
If a kid is lactose-intolerant, I'm SURE if the school is notified, they'll provide him/her with something different.
Perfectly said....If your parents can't afford to pay for your lunch, it's a simple fact. The child has to learn to deal with it.
Does that mean that if Johnny's parents buy him a toy and Joey's can't afford it, Joey's parents should charge the toy so Joey doesn't feel the "stigma" of not being able to afford the toy.
IMO, kids should know where they stand, good or bad...because it provides them with coping skills for the future as opposed to making everything wonderful and as these kids grow up they can't handle realities.
I think the way that the system was characterized in the article goes beyond "sucking it up" and dealing.
it's one thing to have social markers indicating your status/standing. we all have them. there is no denying it.
but I don't think the singling out should be made by the ADULTS in the school (IF, in fact, the kids have been yanked off the line etc)
children will be teased. some kids will have it better than others and of course, they will have to adjust, adapt, and deal.
I don't think children should be "coddled" or shielded from the hardships that are faced. it's cold out that at times and some people learn that lesson earlier in life than others (and I agree that at times in can make one better prepared)
but some things just go beyond character building. sometimes being so mentally prepared takes away from the joy of being a child. I don't think that is fair either.
I am sure there is more than one marker of their lot in life.
and while I agree wholeheartedly that MANY children today are coddled beyond belief, unfortunately it's usually NOT the underpriviledged children spoken about in this article. I would find it pretty impressive if they could be shielded from the reality of their lives.
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| Posted 2/26/09 12:46 PM |
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DebG
Pick a cause & stand up for it
Member since 5/05 18602 total posts
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The cure IS worse!
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Re: Cheese Sandwiches
if 3/5th of students had been getting this (160,000 thousand last year and on target for 300,000 already this year). Why are the kids so embaressed and feel like they are being "singled out?"
Message edited 2/26/2009 4:52:51 PM.
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| Posted 2/26/09 1:00 PM |
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Blu-ize
Plan B is Now Plan A
Member since 7/05 32475 total posts
Name:
Susan
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Re: Cheese Sandwiches
well said Jess.
I also feel that if in fact it's going down like this you are punishing the kids to get to their parents. It's kind of backhanded.
It's way more than sucking it up.
I sure hope that it's not as dramatic as the article states.
As far as food allergies goes, I would hope that the school takes that into account but the article does not go that far so I can't speculate.
Sometimes it's how the story is told, not how it really is.
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| Posted 2/26/09 1:00 PM |
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HoneyBadger
YourWorstNightmare.
Member since 10/06 15979 total posts
Name:
BahBahBlackJeep
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Re: Cheese Sandwiches
Posted by LuvmyShihTzu
Posted by Ophelia
Posted by LuvmyShihTzu
Flame me if need be, but I think that it's NICE of the school to give free cheese sandwiches and milk! When I was in school, either I brought lunch or paid for it...there were never any handouts!
no flames here, but I don't consider providing basic nutrition to hungry kids being "nice". I consider it a DUTY of us as adults in this world.
ETA: and that is regardless of what the parents have or do.
no child should suffer due to their parents situation, be it dire straights, or pure selfishness.
I agree 100%! I think they are absolutely wrong if they single-out these kids and embarass them, but also think that it is nice of them to provide the less fortunate with something...KWIM?
I think the point that's being missed here is that more kids than not are on some kind of assistance; be it a fully subsidized luch or reduced price lunch.
It's honestly more of a stigma to NOT be in that category. So to say that these kids are being stigmatized is not entirely accurate.
My nephew is ostracized b/c he comes from a home where both his parents live, are married and his mom doesn't work.
Believe me, it's a DIFFERENT world down there, you have no idea.
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| Posted 2/26/09 1:01 PM |
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Jenn627
Laaaaaaaambert!
Member since 5/08 9818 total posts
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Jenn
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Re: Cheese Sandwiches
Posted by Ophelia
but I don't think the singling out should be made by the ADULTS in the school (IF, in fact, the kids have been yanked off the line etc)
That's the point. IF it is happening the way the article states, which I happen to think it's not.
How does a lunch aide KNOW that the kid on line gets the special lunch? Are they wearing a tag or something?
I just don't believe that kids are getting "yanked" out of line.
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| Posted 2/26/09 1:13 PM |
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HeathKernandez
Our Ron is an awesome Ron
Member since 4/07 9091 total posts
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baby fish mouth
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Re: Cheese Sandwiches
Posted by Sash
Why cant they just grill the sandwhiches and call it a day.
mmmmmm grilled cheese...
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| Posted 2/26/09 1:33 PM |
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Ophelia
she's baaccckkkk ;)
Member since 5/06 23378 total posts
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remember, when Gulliver traveled....
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Re: Cheese Sandwiches
Posted by Jenn627
That's the point. IF it is happening the way the article states, which I happen to think it's not.
How does a lunch aide KNOW that the kid on line gets the special lunch? Are they wearing a tag or something?
I just don't believe that kids are getting "yanked" out of line.
well, that's just like, your opinion, man 
like I said, I don't think the school is wrong here.
I just don't agree that making it less obvious that they are getting "free" lunch is necessarily coddling these kids.
I mean, I am working my buns off so that my kids don't face ALL of the hardships I did growing up. I think that most parents strive for that.
I think there are better ways to instill integrity and worth ethic and my all time fav...metal toughness in a child. at least, I hope there are..
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| Posted 2/26/09 1:42 PM |
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Jenn627
Laaaaaaaambert!
Member since 5/08 9818 total posts
Name:
Jenn
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Re: Cheese Sandwiches
Posted by Ophelia
well, that's just like, your opinion, man
Was it really? Because I had no idea it was my opinion. Thanks for clarifying.
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| Posted 2/26/09 1:48 PM |
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Ophelia
she's baaccckkkk ;)
Member since 5/06 23378 total posts
Name:
remember, when Gulliver traveled....
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Re: Cheese Sandwiches
Posted by Jenn627
Posted by Ophelia
well, that's just like, your opinion, man
Was it really? Because I had no idea it was my opinion. Thanks for clarifying.
not a Big Lebowski fan, eh? twas an attempt at humor...nothing more.
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| Posted 2/26/09 1:50 PM |
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CaseyGirl
Mommy to 3 Boys :)
Member since 5/05 19978 total posts
Name:
Jen - counting my blessings...
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Re: Cheese Sandwiches
I love how the kid in the article said it makes her want to throw up...
Do these people realize that some people have NOTHING to eat for days??
Cheese & fruit sounds a lot better than jack $hit for days....
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| Posted 2/26/09 1:57 PM |
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CrankyPants
I'm cranky
Member since 7/06 18178 total posts
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Mama Cranky
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Re: Cheese Sandwiches
I can see both sides of this.
I like the idea of providing a lunch for hungry kids but I don't like the idea of ostracizing kids (because they are poor, because their parents don't know how to budget or have their priorities screwed up, whatever).
Kids don't want to be different and being the kid with the cheese sandwich makes you different.
I guess hunger takes precedent over shame so give the kids the sandwich.
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| Posted 2/26/09 2:06 PM |
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HoneyBadger
YourWorstNightmare.
Member since 10/06 15979 total posts
Name:
BahBahBlackJeep
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Re: Cheese Sandwiches
Ok, I JUST spoke to my SIL who LIVES in Albequerque and has a son who ATTENDS public school there.
She said this has been an ON GOING problem within the district. Apparently a majority of the "offending" children are ones who don't qualify for either a reduced price lunch or free lunch.
Just so everyone understands the cost a student pays for lunch is $1.75.
Reduced-cost Lunch is - $ .75
These people are considered those who CAN AFFORD the money for lunch, they're just not paying.
Now as for the kids being "singled out" - they're NOT. The lunch ladies are informed AHEAD of time as to which student receives the "cheese sandwhich lunch". Apparently there aren't that many - about 10 kids.
I don't see this as being a problem. These kids are from families who CAN AFFORD the school lunch and are being DEADBEATS. I'm sorry if their children are "suffering" but it's really the parent's fault NOT the school.
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| Posted 2/26/09 2:30 PM |
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Jenn627
Laaaaaaaambert!
Member since 5/08 9818 total posts
Name:
Jenn
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Re: Cheese Sandwiches
Posted by Ophelia
not a Big Lebowski fan, eh? twas an attempt at humor...nothing more.
Only ref I know is the peed on rug bit.
I thought you were being "mean".
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| Posted 2/26/09 2:43 PM |
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EmmaNick
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Member since 12/06 16001 total posts
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Re: Cheese Sandwiches
Posted by Jennie0898
Ok, I JUST spoke to my SIL who LIVES in Albequerque and has a son who ATTENDS public school there.
She said this has been an ON GOING problem within the district. Apparently a majority of the "offending" children are ones who don't qualify for either a reduced price lunch or free lunch.
Just so everyone understands the cost a student pays for lunch is $1.75.
Reduced-cost Lunch is - $ .75
These people are considered those who CAN AFFORD the money for lunch, they're just not paying.
Now as for the kids being "singled out" - they're NOT. The lunch ladies are informed AHEAD of time as to which student receives the "cheese sandwhich lunch". Apparently there aren't that many - about 10 kids.
I don't see this as being a problem. These kids are from families who CAN AFFORD the school lunch and are being DEADBEATS. I'm sorry if their children are "suffering" but it's really the parent's fault NOT the school.
How do you know they can AFFORD it? How do you know how much their mortgage/rent and other bills are? Just because they can AFFORD it based on the gov't's guidelines for free/reduced lunch, doesn't mean they actually can AFFORD it.
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| Posted 2/26/09 2:55 PM |
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timanda
Puppy Love
Member since 6/08 1627 total posts
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Amanda
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Re: Cheese Sandwiches
Posted by Jenn627
Posted by MrsPJB2007
While I agree that there could be a negative stigma to the kids who have to do this -- I really am not sure if I am believing this happens as dramatic as the article is stating. Since the whole kids being pulled out in line seems to be something that is being offered as a 3rd hand account -- and they said "they've HEARD stories" about it.
I'm sure they don't do it quite in such a horrible fashion everyday. But regardless -- yes it can stink for the kids who have to deal, but what other solution is there? No matter how they do it, whether its quietly or not, its gonna be hard for those who can't afford the lunch.
I agree. I don't think it's as dramatic as the article is suggesting.
Besides, I'm on the fence about the coddling that kids are getting now - within sports, schools, etc.
I was poor as a kid, and received free lunch for all of elementary school. Everyone in my school knew who the "poor" kids were - by our clothes, free lunches, etc. We just dealt with it. My parents didn't call the school or the newspaper to complain. If we complained to our parents, they just told us to suck it up and that's life.
ITA. I am surprised people are complaining so much and calling it a punishment. I appreciate that its not ideal, but what is the alternative? And the quote in the story of the girl who never wants to go back to school - I mean, come on, everyone in elementary school, junior high and high school has felt that way for one reason or another. It is a part of growning up. It sux that its because they are poor, but many children grow up that way and are not scarred for life. This lunch arrangement certainly is not a disservice to the kids IMO.
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| Posted 2/26/09 2:58 PM |
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HoneyBadger
YourWorstNightmare.
Member since 10/06 15979 total posts
Name:
BahBahBlackJeep
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Re: Cheese Sandwiches
Posted by EmmaNick
Posted by Jennie0898
Ok, I JUST spoke to my SIL who LIVES in Albequerque and has a son who ATTENDS public school there.
She said this has been an ON GOING problem within the district. Apparently a majority of the "offending" children are ones who don't qualify for either a reduced price lunch or free lunch.
Just so everyone understands the cost a student pays for lunch is $1.75.
Reduced-cost Lunch is - $ .75
These people are considered those who CAN AFFORD the money for lunch, they're just not paying.
Now as for the kids being "singled out" - they're NOT. The lunch ladies are informed AHEAD of time as to which student receives the "cheese sandwhich lunch". Apparently there aren't that many - about 10 kids.
I don't see this as being a problem. These kids are from families who CAN AFFORD the school lunch and are being DEADBEATS. I'm sorry if their children are "suffering" but it's really the parent's fault NOT the school.
How do you know they can AFFORD it? How do you know how much their mortgage/rent and other bills are? Just because they can AFFORD it based on the gov't's guidelines for free/reduced lunch, doesn't mean they actually can AFFORD it.
Because in order to qualify for the subsidized lunch program you have to submit financial information.
The school district encourages EVERYONE to apply for the aid b/c the area is so poor.
If these people were denied then it's probable that they can afford the lunch.
If for some reason they can't these parents can go to the school district to work something out.
Again this is a VERY poor district they are VERY used to working with families who need help.
These are lazy parents who are just not sending their kids to school with their $1.75 for lunch.
I mean seriously, $1.75? You can't get lunch for that little anywhere.
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| Posted 2/26/09 3:11 PM |
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EmmaNick
*
Member since 12/06 16001 total posts
Name:
*
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Re: Cheese Sandwiches
Posted by Jennie0898
Posted by EmmaNick
Posted by Jennie0898
Ok, I JUST spoke to my SIL who LIVES in Albequerque and has a son who ATTENDS public school there.
She said this has been an ON GOING problem within the district. Apparently a majority of the "offending" children are ones who don't qualify for either a reduced price lunch or free lunch.
Just so everyone understands the cost a student pays for lunch is $1.75.
Reduced-cost Lunch is - $ .75
These people are considered those who CAN AFFORD the money for lunch, they're just not paying.
Now as for the kids being "singled out" - they're NOT. The lunch ladies are informed AHEAD of time as to which student receives the "cheese sandwhich lunch". Apparently there aren't that many - about 10 kids.
I don't see this as being a problem. These kids are from families who CAN AFFORD the school lunch and are being DEADBEATS. I'm sorry if their children are "suffering" but it's really the parent's fault NOT the school.
How do you know they can AFFORD it? How do you know how much their mortgage/rent and other bills are? Just because they can AFFORD it based on the gov't's guidelines for free/reduced lunch, doesn't mean they actually can AFFORD it.
Because in order to qualify for the subsidized lunch program you have to submit financial information.
The school district encourages EVERYONE to apply for the aid b/c the area is so poor.
If these people were denied then it's probable that they can afford the lunch.
If for some reason they can't these parents can go to the school district to work something out.
Again this is a VERY poor district they are VERY used to working with families who need help.
These are lazy parents who are just not sending their kids to school with their $1.75 for lunch.
I mean seriously, $1.75? You can't get lunch for that little anywhere.
Just because they DON'T qualify for free/reduced lunch, doesn't mean they CAN AFFORD to send their child to school with $1.75 each day. You don't know their financial situation. That was my point.
I got free lunch in elementary and Jr. High. In High School I didn't..my mother didn't qualify. I rarely got the $1.50 it cost for lunch, nor did my sister. So I can completely understand.
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| Posted 2/26/09 3:16 PM |
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Ophelia
she's baaccckkkk ;)
Member since 5/06 23378 total posts
Name:
remember, when Gulliver traveled....
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Re: Cheese Sandwiches
Posted by Jenn627
Posted by Ophelia
not a Big Lebowski fan, eh? twas an attempt at humor...nothing more.
Only ref I know is the peed on rug bit.
I thought you were being "mean".
*le sigh* I figured as much. I am really almost never "mean"...but I am frequently taken as such.
no worries.
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| Posted 2/26/09 3:21 PM |
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HoneyBadger
YourWorstNightmare.
Member since 10/06 15979 total posts
Name:
BahBahBlackJeep
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Re: Cheese Sandwiches
Posted by EmmaNick
Just because they DON'T qualify for free/reduced lunch, doesn't mean they CAN AFFORD to send their child to school with $1.75 each day. You don't know their financial situation. That was my point.
I got free lunch in elementary and Jr. High. In High School I didn't..my mother didn't qualify. I rarely got the $1.50 it cost for lunch, nor did my sister. So I can completely understand.
I understood your point. I disagree with it.
The bottom line is regardless of whether or not these families CAN or CANNOT afford the lunch their children are still GETTING a lunch.
I'm not sure what the issue is. My point is if these people REALLY can't afford the cost of lunch (which *I* find difficult to believe) then they have an obligation to speak to the school.
According to my SIL they WILL WORK with these families yet these families are still not stepping up to the plate. That IMO is the fault of the offending family.
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| Posted 2/26/09 3:24 PM |
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EmmaNick
*
Member since 12/06 16001 total posts
Name:
*
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Re: Cheese Sandwiches
Posted by Jennie0898
Posted by EmmaNick
Just because they DON'T qualify for free/reduced lunch, doesn't mean they CAN AFFORD to send their child to school with $1.75 each day. You don't know their financial situation. That was my point.
I got free lunch in elementary and Jr. High. In High School I didn't..my mother didn't qualify. I rarely got the $1.50 it cost for lunch, nor did my sister. So I can completely understand.
I understood your point. I disagree with it.
.
I'm not sure what there is to disagree about when you don't know anyone else's financial situation other than your own.
I digress though.
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| Posted 2/26/09 3:28 PM |
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HoneyBadger
YourWorstNightmare.
Member since 10/06 15979 total posts
Name:
BahBahBlackJeep
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Re: Cheese Sandwiches
Posted by EmmaNick
Posted by Jennie0898
Posted by EmmaNick
Just because they DON'T qualify for free/reduced lunch, doesn't mean they CAN AFFORD to send their child to school with $1.75 each day. You don't know their financial situation. That was my point.
I got free lunch in elementary and Jr. High. In High School I didn't..my mother didn't qualify. I rarely got the $1.50 it cost for lunch, nor did my sister. So I can completely understand.
I understood your point. I disagree with it.
.
I'm not sure what there is to disagree about when you don't know anyone else's financial situation other than your own.
I digress though.
You're suggesting (if I'm understanding correctly) that just b/c on paper these people can afford it maybe they can't.
I'm disagreeing with THAT sentiment.
I feel you're speculating as much as I am so what makes YOU right and ME wrong??
ETA: You're projecting YOUR situation growing up.
I'm suggesting that maybe these people are just looking for a free lunch.
Neither of us know these people's financial situation so really neither of us should speculate EITHER way.
But we will b/c that's human nature.
Message edited 2/26/2009 3:37:50 PM.
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| Posted 2/26/09 3:36 PM |
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Janice
Sweet Jessie Quinn
Member since 5/05 27567 total posts
Name:
Janice
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Re: Cheese Sandwiches
I went to a Hillsborough County School for a few months.
All kids who paid, were reduced, or free were handed a to go box and sent to sit down.
There was only one choice and it was garbage. The school was so poor I finally fit in 
Then we moved, we were on free lunch. There was a free lunch line in the middle of cafeteria. You had access to all choices, but a special line. Exclusive, VIP free lunch line. Only free lunch kids. Ahhh to be in middle school again.
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| Posted 2/26/09 3:52 PM |
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Sash
Peace
Member since 6/08 10312 total posts
Name:
fka LIW Smara
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Re: Cheese Sandwiches
Posted by KeithHernandez
Posted by Sash
Why cant they just grill the sandwhiches and call it a day.
mmmmmm grilled cheese...
With some bacon, maybe some cheese fries
Must stop thinking bad food thoughts.. must lose weight.. so hard
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| Posted 2/26/09 3:59 PM |
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dpli
Daylight savings :)
Member since 5/05 13973 total posts
Name:
D
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Re: Cheese Sandwiches
After all the responses, I went back and read the article again and this is the part that jumps out at me:
In Albuquerque, unpaid lunch charges hovered around $55,000 in 2006. That jumped to $130,000 at the end of the 2007-08 school year. It was $140,000 through the first five months of this school year.
Charges were on pace to reach $300,000 by the end of the year. Mary Swift, director of Albuquerque's food and nutrition services, said her department had no way to absorb that debt as it had in the past.
"We can't use any federal lunch program money to pay what they call bad debt. It has to come out of the general budget and of course that takes it from some other department," Swift said.
With the new policy, the school district has collected just over $50,000 from parents since the beginning of the year. It also identified 2,000 students eligible to receive free or reduced-price lunches, and more children in the lunch program means more federal dollars for the district.
*********************
So what's the solution to collect $140,000 that is owed to the district already? And it says that because of the program, 2,000 students are now getting the free lunch that they qualify for, instead of having their parents racking up bills for lunch.
I honestly have no problem with this.
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| Posted 2/26/09 4:01 PM |
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