Politics It's the economy, stupid! Gas, healthcare, & chickens!

It doesn't matter. And this should be provided by schools year round, as it was during the pandemic. It costs us exponentially more in lost productivity, lost opportunity and increased poverty and crime not to ensure our children are fed than it costs to feed them.

There is no reason for even a single kid in this country to ever lack nourishment. There is no benefit to allowing it. Only harm.

 

Sorry, but yes, this post DOES seem heartless. You're assuming that EVERY parent can afford to feed their child consistently. Unfortunately it doesn't work that way. Too many of these kids come from situations that folks like you and I can't wrap our heads around. I've only seen a sliver of this since I started volunteering at the local food bank 9 years ago but it is out there and it is very real. But it's hard to see on the surface in so many instances. Better we take a genuine Christian attitude and feed the multitudes (sound familiar??) to insure that all are fed, than single out those (often to their detriment or shame) who truly need it. This is one situation where "overkill" is truly justified. This country can afford that one instance of generosity.

 

What flyswatter would you recommend? Schools are already built, they are equipped with industrial kitchens and local distribution capability, and are already centrally located near almost every child in the country.

I'm honestly interested in what more precise tool you would recommend which could be implemented as easily?

 

And I think you underestimate how many parents aren't perfectly capable of feeding their children. Especially in these current and trying times. I'm not trying to be combative, I just feel the problem is way bigger than most of America realizes. We're so hung up on how "great" this country is, we can't admit where we are seriously less than "great".......and hunger is a problem that has no political affiliation......though we try hard to give it one......as Phat says, deal with hunger in America and a lot of our problems are on their way to a solution.

 

You're giving too many parents too much credit. Many of these kids go hungry because their parents are focused on spending their money other things (necessary and necessary). That may not sound like good parenting but it is what it is. How many stories have we read where people have to choose rent, utilities, gas, etc over food (or enough food). You have a good idea in concept, but the execution is questionable. Kids are innocent/blameless. Get them fed and pray that investment in their futures pay off......

 

We pay taxes for this exact reason. Feed the children, it's pretty simple.

 

Sure beats feeding the "defense" machine......

 

SNAP is how it is done now. Unfortunately this causes delays and inconsistencies and kids miss meals because of it. Many parents who don't qualify for SNAP also don't provide well enough for their kids. This helps to reinforce a cycle of poverty, as studies have shown that kids who are hungry at school don't focus as well, don't behave as well, and suffer lifelong disadvantages as a result.

Not to mention that every republican president seems to cut SNAP funding. Simply mandating that schools provide meals to all children solves that problem and avoids the bureaucracy many on the right seem so eager to complain about, yet also so eager to push poor and minorities into.

 

Ironically, this would actually return the government more money to feed the "defense" machine long term. Not that I want the money going there, but this is a great long term investment. It's a simple solution that pays for itself 10k times over.

 

And I'm sorry for coming across so cynical, but I've just seen far more of it than should ever exist. To some parents, having kids is just a means to selfish ends. I'm a firm believer in the implantation of temporary birth control devices at a young age, with training and certification in adulthood before parenthood is allowed....if ever. AND that would solve the abortion issue.....

 

Many parents aren't good parents. Most are, but many aren't. And us ignoring those children has shown to be far more expensive and harmful than doing what we can to help them navigate their childhood with as many essential needs as possible.

 

Im all for providing meals for kids at least through middle school.
Even during the summer certain park districts provide box lunches during the noon hour.

 

What is more heart breaking than a hungry child who can't afford to eat.