Think before you speak wrote on Jun 20, 2008 6:26 PM:Before people get their undies all twisted and complain that one race is the main cause of the price hike. I wanted to assure the public (I am a school cafeteria worker) that all the children use the cafeteria and students are identified into 3 groups: 1. Free 2. Reduced 3. DNQ
If a parent is interested in participating in the USDA's lunch program the parent has to fill out an application. The application goes to the district level and it is at the district level where a decision is made about the child's lunch status. Now having worked throughout CA and let me tell you that Mexican, Black, White, Chinese, Japanese, and Chuck E. Cheese are all treated the same...Let's face it the kids need to eat, and if you say "Well their parent is mooching off the system" You have some major problems, because the child didn't asked to be put in their situation. You also have to remember that many of these children are entitled to a free or reduced lunch. Children that are mentally challenged, children whose mothers and fathers are fighting for our freedom, parents who are on welfare or disability, or parents who can't seem to make ends meet (think of gas prices) need this program. This isn't about race or breaking the law..this is about taking care of our own first before we try to take care of the world. I know that some readers will think/say "Well if this race wouldn't sneak in" or they might say "Let's get they lazies off of welfare" You can't, so instead of adding more strife and high blood pressure to yourself...ask yourself "Do I have a better solution?" "Can I work 3.75 hours a day because the district doesn't want to pay me benefits?" Do I have a passion for the future and am willing to put in more than the minimum effort into a job because I am working with the future of America?" Can I work with limited resources and funds because the state budget won't allow?" Because if you do, we in the educational field are listening. We need your ideas, because after years of trying to figure it out and being creative, the public seems to know much more than we do. So Write you ideas on this opinion forum and share your thoughts...But keep in mind all the different district's contracts with the classified and certificated staff members, and make sure that your ideas are within the current CA Edu. code. Bare in mind that you should do security checks, and just to be fair that your ideas aren't racist. Make sure that you teach to the CAT 6 and STAR tests, and that teachers and staff members are willing to jump through hoops to meet their API/AYP. After all you aren't any good in the state's eyes if you can't have your school and all the sub-groups over 800+. When you figure it all out...then share, we are listening!

jvc wrote on Jun 20, 2008 7:34 PM:Why is my tax dollar being used to feed these children? That is why our taxes are so high because the parents of these
children do not want to take personal responsibility for their own children!

Costs are rising wrote on Jun 20, 2008 7:44 PM:for everything, everywhere. This is news?

Tuck wrote on Jun 20, 2008 7:54 PM:To: Think before you speak: I agree with most of what you say, however how many illegal-aliens, not Mexicans, illegal are getting free lunches? They have not paid into the system and therefore deserve nothing.

Exactly wrote on Jun 20, 2008 8:44 PM:School lunches should be provided for those children who's families are in my country LEGALLY, and are in financial need. As a citizen & taxpayer, that's only fair.

To think before you speak wrote on Jun 20, 2008 10:32 PM:First off, my condolences to the lunch system that is now 'forced' to cut sugar sodas, candy bars, doughnuts, chips, etc. If you are a long term food worker, how dare you moan and groan about losing 'profit' on such junk, terrible non-nutritional trash that raises the obesity level of unsuspecting innocent children? Aren't you supposed to TEACH GOOD nutrition as well as serve it up? How can you live with yourself when a fat child orders up chips and soda? Okay, so most of that is gone (or is it really?) - take a look at the other items and give us the calorie and trans fat numbers! We will gladly pay for balanced energy foods, fruit, veggies, and even veggie pizza. Also, how dare you blatantly assume that all bloggers here believe 'one race' sabotages the lunch line? Doesn't sound like you have an open mind - just a one track one, and it's negative all the way. Quit if you want benefits - don't blame the district; your union pulls out all stops for you as it is. I do applaud your passion, but it's mis-directed and childish. How many days a year do you educate youngsters/parents, hold 'open house' for comments, ideas, suggestions and yes, even 'contests' for the best menu or main dish idea? Oh, by the way, why do you run out of lunch before the last class is even dismissed to get in the lunch line?

Think before you speak wrote on Jun 21, 2008 12:33 AM:While all your opinions are valid, you still haven't solved the problem. The answer is out there, but do you dare say "Send them back" to China, Sudan, Mexico, or BFE? And to Tuck; we are not allowed to ask a parent "Are you illegal? Because if you are your child can't eat." How can you say that to a child? How do you tell a any parent that, illegal or legal? And you talk about "paying into the system", one word, welfare. I am talking about welfare recipients whose parents, are/were on it, now they are on welfare, and now they have babies,...who they themselves become the welfare generation. Explain to me why should those citizens eat? What did they do to get the free benefits of the USA? Do you see what I am getting at; it is a mess. Hence, the forum is open to the community of SD, IDEAS, WE NEED THEM!

Theotis wrote on Jun 21, 2008 4:53 AM:So what? My Mama used to care so much about us..she packed our lunches! WHAT is WRONG with the Momas of today? Why don't you care enough to pack a lunch for your child? At least you'd what they're eating! Shame on you! PARENTS WHO CARE should provide lunches for thier children...that's only fair!

Eggbert wrote on Jun 21, 2008 4:56 AM:If these parents don't care enough to provide food for their children. then give them cardboard, with MAYBE a little mustard. An ALGORE lunch! YEAH!

Robert wrote on Jun 21, 2008 8:11 AM:"Think before you speak"; You said that the parent has to fill out an application for the free (or reduced lunch), yet you say that we can't ask the kid if their parent is legal or not. Sounds to me like you have your answer right there, assuming the parent told the truth (and since they are here illegally already, as in breaking the law, why would they not "break the law" again and lie about their status?). The sad fact is that this doesn't fall into your neat "WE NEED IDEAS" column, but the parents should have thought of that when they broke the first law (illegal entry). Very sad for the kids, but my tax dollars should not be supporting them. How's this for a solution: everybody pays the same, and nobody gets anything for free. That would more than offset the raise for the people that somebody decided could "afford" the increase, which is just another way of paying somebody elses (probably illegal) way. There is no free lunch!

Sam wrote on Jun 21, 2008 8:18 AM:I agree the school lunches are really not healthy at all.Packaged in plastic and rarely any fresh produce or whole grains.I see the children throw whole plate lunches in the trash daily without eating more than even a bite.Every child no matter who they are are entitled to have food in their little stomaches.I think instead of worrying about who is getting the free lunches we need to concentrate on making them healthier and more wholesome for these innocent children who have done nothing wrong and deserve the same rights as any other child.

leucadiadel wrote on Jun 21, 2008 8:19 AM:I am a single parent and public school teacher. I am amazed that many local public school districts are providing free breakfast and luch to anyone in the community everyday of the week this summer. This includes both VUSD and SMUSD. The free food doesn't just go to the kids that go to the school. Their parents or anyone off of the street, even pedolphiles that may come onto the school grounds to perv, can have free lunch and breakfast. This is ridiculous. The free or reduced price lunch forms that the families fill out for lunch during the school year are not checked to verify the true income, so many of my students' families use false information to get freebies.

hardtack wrote on Jun 21, 2008 8:37 AM:The price of food is the same whether it is 1) Free, 2) Reduced, or 3) DNQ. There is no “free lunch.” The reason it costs more to drive your car is the same reason it costs more to harvest, process, and deliver food. As long as Congress blocks oil production and refineries in this country, and keeps deflating the value of everyone’s dollar with their deficit spending it won’t get any better. Tell Congress you are “mad as hell and you won’t take it anymore.”

So What wrote on Jun 21, 2008 9:59 AM:Who cares is prices for lunches are going up. You have to feed the kids lunch, so do it. Maybe the districts can get together and grow and raise their own food.

paul wrote on Jun 21, 2008 10:05 AM:Let's stop and think what's happened all over the u.s.a and why it's been going on for ever.I blame the government!!! The u.s citizens are treated unfairly and everyone else gets a free ride.What's wrong with our country?????

we are in this together wrote on Jun 21, 2008 10:22 AM:This is in response to Tuck's letter. I'm sorry but when it comes to food and the issue of feeding a hungry child, I do not look at it as an issue of illegal vs. legal. I am a taxpayer and a US born and raised citizen of this country, and I have a HUGE problem with children (yes, I do mean ALL children) bearing the brunt of the immigration issues we as a country face. I am a teacher and I do see all races and nationalities participating in the various lunch programs. I am white. My father as my grandfathers as my great grandfathers all served and fought for our great nation. I love my country as much as anyone else. Yet, I would give up and have given up my lunch if a hungry child was going without one. This is food we are talking about. Something our country has plenty of. God help us if we start squabbling over who gets a meal based on the legalities of it all. And to those who are passionate about only "legal" children being fed through our schools lunch programs, I urge you to work just one day in a school cafeteria and look those 5-10 year old children in the face and turn them away hungry.

Well Now wrote on Jun 21, 2008 10:37 AM:Get rid of the breakfast/lunch program altogether. It's the parents' responsibility to feed their child(ren).

Additionally, if the summer breakfast/lunch program is in effect -- where kids can go to school to eat each meal WHILE NOT IN SCHOOL -- abolish that, too.

To Think, the answer is to make parents more responsible to their child(ren). If we quit jumping in and giving away every thing and giving them a hand all the time, then, we'd be better off.

Before you ask, when I was a kid, my family qualified for free lunch. Did my parents ALLOW me or EXPECT the school/state to feed me? The answer is NO WAY!

My mom made the meals before we went to school -- many times getting up early just to make them for us. Other times she made them before going to bed the night before. My dad pitched did his share, too. Sometimes, it was PB&J every day for a month. We were taught to be apprecitive (sp) that we had food when others in the world did NOT.

For single parent households, they can prep meals (breakfast, lunch) at night or get up earlier and do it.

Lastly, I don't recall in history lessons that there was FREE, REDUCED or DNQ during the 1940's and before. Or for that matter, much before the 60's.

I cant believe what Im reading wrote on Jun 21, 2008 10:39 AM:To Eggbert: Your ignorance floors me! And your comment sounds similar to Marie Antoinette's cry of "Then let them eat cake" only yours is said a sadistic manner. You do know what became her fate, don't you? This type of ignorance is what is dividing our great nation. I truly believe, our country was blessed based on our willingness to help those who come to us in need. Sure, there are those who take advantage. We have people who take advantage who are US born. Let's focus on our country's REAL issues such as child molesters, drug dealers, White supremists, out of control crime, etc, etc.

Kim wrote on Jun 21, 2008 10:51 AM:This is the reason people who cannot afford to have children shouldn't have them!
It is the PARENTS responsibility to feed and cloth THEIR OWN children.
I am really sick and tired of seeing these free lunches being given out only to see the family has many other siblings that they can't afford.

They should start licensing people to have children. Too many irresponsible people having babies.

Albert wrote on Jun 21, 2008 11:15 AM:To "I cant believe what Im reading" - Eggbert got it right.

This country became great because strong individuals built strong families based on a belief in God. Note that I didn’t say Christian God, just a belief that we will all be held accountable to the universe for our actions eventually.

We’ve lost this battle. Our children are being raised in Godless schools and daycare centers under the guidance of a Godless government.

Your ignorance of this and reliance on government and government programs to make your decisions has in fact created the "child molesters, drug dealers, White supremists, out of control crime, etc, etc." you are singing about. You’re worried about feeding their stomachs, until we start feeding their souls again we might as well give them cardboard and mustard; they’re not going to get much more than that in the prisons they’re going to end up in anyway.

Albert wrote on Jun 21, 2008 11:26 AM:Also to "I cant believe what Im reading" - Marie Antoinette never said "Let them eat cake.", that's a myth. Either way, look at what a great world power and influence her country has become as the result of their government policies.

Think before you speak wrote on Jun 21, 2008 11:36 AM:"To Robert" Ok so you addressed the ileagal, what about the welfare generation? What are your ideas Robert? As to the individual who address me and asked me to leave my job. I care enough to have the job. If you thought I complained, you read too much into what I wrote. Malicious intent was not what I intended. Informing those who do not work in the educational field is what I had in mind. You couldn't do my job without loving it! I don't leave when "the last bell ring for lunch" (HAH! You haven't been in a school in years!) If you did your math you would realize that the 3.75 hours is FOR LUNCH! You obviously haven't kept up on the news because a few years ago Arnold pass the Healthy Child Act. WE HAVE NEVER SOLD CHIPS, SODAS, JUNK! Perhaps in your child's district but not at mine! Your voice was well heard her in the "Opinion" area of the NC Times, but your voice wasn't heard in your child's school district. You are still part of the problem, not the solution like I graciously asked for. If you think that I have a "closed mind" think again...I have seen how these forums work, and the "norms" that are associated with this forums...race, is consistent. Working in the school system, I have seen everything, and I love all my fellow human beings, your assumption on me is a ridiculous as your perception on education. Or do what your mother told you, don't say anything at all if you have nothing nice to say...(Now we are both asinine)

UMMM wrote on Jun 21, 2008 12:49 PM:Thank you Kim...When I got married and had kids I had as many as I could afford. I would love to of 6, but I had 3. With food, clothing and other things that was all we knew we could pay for. It is very wrong for people to have children and then feed them with our tax money. If you cannot afford to feed you child do not have them or wait until you can. I make lunches every night and on some days they get money to buy lunch which is a treat. And Breakfast!? don't get me going on that, if you cannot afford breakfast or lunch for your child, what do you do about dinner. Oh sorry that is what food stamps are for.

Wise man wrote on Jun 21, 2008 3:06 PM:MAKE A SANDWICH!!!

To Robert wrote on Jun 21, 2008 4:49 PM:Robert, You are "RIGHT ON" and "Think before you speak" proves the fact
that there is such a thing as a "FREE LUNCH"

To Think before you speak wrote on Jun 21, 2008 4:57 PM:Ask the ones who clean after lunch, how much of the free food is thrown away. I already have and I was told the majority of the free lunch kids only eat the good stuff and toss away fresh fruit that would give them a balanced meal. What a waste all the way around.

Tuck wrote on Jun 21, 2008 5:18 PM:How’s this for a solution? Schools were built to educate children, not feed them. Stop selling food at school. Let the parents pack their own child’s lunch. That will solve this problem.

To Leucadiadel wrote on Jun 21, 2008 5:48 PM:What are you talking about that the VUSD and SMUSD serves free summer lunches to pedophiles as part of it's summer lunch program? You say you are a teacher and you are aware of this happening and you choose to write about it in the NC Times opinion blog verses taking this up with the district management, let alone the police department. Where is your proof? What are you doing about it? Maybe, just maybe, you made up this story for attention????

I dont think wrote on Jun 21, 2008 9:12 PM:Leucadiadel is making it up. On my way to work every day, driving down Rancho Santa Fe Rd. in San Marcso there is a big sign hung on the chain link fence surrounding a school yard (I have no idea what school this is, sorry), and it says that free breakfasts and lunches are available to anyone 18 and under. Someday I will actually pull over and read the smaller print which I can't see from the car. I really hope there is some sort of qualifying/screening process for these free meals, and it's not just an invitation to any and all types to show up and eat on the taxpayers' dime.

A Teachers Take wrote on Jun 21, 2008 10:10 PM:on this situation: While I agree that giving out food is preferable to giving away money, I see all the fraud and waste that is a part of the school meals system. Namely, students in my class and school whose parents have nice, newer cars, and their kids have expensive shoes and clothes, plenty of toys and video games, and cash to spend after school at 7-11, still are all on free/reduced breakfast and lunch.
The waste happens every day when kids load up their trays with food, eat a tiny portion, and dump the rest in the trash. Then, many of them pull out the Hot Cheetos and other treats they bought earlier and eat them!
My solutions would be to verify all incomes more thoroughly, raise the meal prices, and encourage more parents to make their children's lunch. We offer nutrition classes for parents at my school so maybe they could teach parents about healty food made at home...

To I Dont Think wrote on Jun 21, 2008 10:13 PM:It is FREE LUNCH for ANY kid in the neighborhood during summer school. There is no verification of residence, ID check, or anything else. I know because I teach summer school.

So you see, it is a "free lunch" provided by us hardworking, tax-paying Americans!!!

jvc wrote on Jun 22, 2008 1:19 AM:At the very least, give the parents of these poor children food vouchers
and let them prepare the lunches for their kids, no need for the school to prepare this food!

Brown bag it wrote on Jun 22, 2008 8:21 AM:It is true that half of the stuff on the "free lunch" tray gets thrown away. My 9 year old son tells me that these kids get a "free lunch" and don't appreciate it enough to eat it.One day my son forgot his lunch, nobody was home to bring it to him, he went hungry. He asked the lunch lady if he could pay the next day...NOPE! My son said to me after that, "Maybe we should be poor! You get more free stuff".SAD!

Way Too Many wrote on Jun 22, 2008 8:29 AM:OK, so I'll agree that there are folks out there that may need help feeding their kids, but did you see the percentages for this program? County wide, it's almost 50% of the kids?! And in San Diego Unified, it's more like 60% of the kids!! And that's just the free lunches, not the reduced ones. That seems just a bit ridiculous. Over half of the families in San Diego can't afford for their kids to eat lunch? Sorry folks, I don't thing so. This program is fraught with fraud and laziness, just like any government welfare program eventually ends up being. There are A LOT of parents out there taking advantage of this "free" lunch that can easily afford to feed their kids.

I agree wrote on Jun 22, 2008 9:28 AM:with jvs!! With all the food vouchers, food stamps, WIC etc these parents should be MAKING a lunch for their kids at least a couple times a week and on the days when they are having a SPECIAl meal, that your kid likes,(like pizza or hamburgers) let them get a lunch then. (Either FREE or REDUCED)TOO MUCH food is going to waste in the trash!Regarding the comment from BROWN BAG IT, their child did not have a lunch and the school did not provide something for him...PATHETIC!!