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We've all heard of the infamous "deadbeat dad" who doesn't pay his child support; in Albuquerque, New Mexico, they're now cracking down on "deadbeats" who don't pay their children's school lunch balances. Yes, last month the public school system there instituted the "cheese sandwich policy," wherein children with delinquent lunch balances are still fed, but receive a cold cheese sandwich, piece of fruit, and carton of milk rather than a hot lunch. This change came about as the result of rising unpaid lunch charges -- the amount had already hit $140,000 in money owed on lunches halfway through this school year.
Let's be clear about the details of this policy: Children who've already qualified for free lunches continue to receive them. And elementary school-aged children are allowed to go ten meals over their balance -- that's two entire weeks of meals and plenty of reminders home to the parents -- before they'll be denied the "regular" meal in favor of the cheese sandwich "courtesy" meal.
I have to admit right up front that I find nearly all school lunch offerings to be equally unappealing. Also, my children are apt to voluntarily opt for a cheese sandwich and a piece of fruit for lunch, so part of me doesn't really understand why this is a big deal. I would be incensed if kids were being denied food. But they're being fed, regardless of whether or not their parents have paid.
But. But. There's allegations that the cheese sandwich kids are being pulled out of the lunch line -- singled out -- and are embarrassed because of it. (And I'm also kind of wondering what happens if you fail to pay your lunch bill and your child has a dairy allergy, though that's a less pressing issue, I suppose.)
Lisa of On To The Next Thing says she doesn't understand why this is a big deal; the cheese sandwich lunch doesn't sound appealing to her, but it certainly sounds suitably nutritious. However:
I don't agree with a kid getting pulled out of line - that's unnecessarily humiliating. Parents should explain to their kids what is going on and that they will be eating cheese sandwiches for awhile, if that is the case.
This assumes, of course, that the so-called "deadbeats" aren't paying their school lunch balances because they're unable to, rather than due to oversight or poor planning. Either way, though, it's certainly not the fault of the kids.
AcadeMama says it's a lose-lose situation:
Without a doubt, this nightmare of an economy has forced many parents who were already on the edge to simply pick the safest place to jump. But, in this case, it's children who feel the shame for an economy gone down the tubes, and it breaks my heart.
While the New Mexico school system uses the "At least we feed them" excuse to justify their decision to offer cold cheese sandwiches to children with delinquent lunch accounts, it strikes me as a weak solution to the problem. The fact is that while parents are ultimately responsible for paying for meals, it's the children who have to face each other in the lunchroom.
Michelle at I don't know what's wrong with people, or is it just me! is downright angry:
When I was in elementary school I got free lunch and when I got older I brought my own. I could not imagine being jerked out of line and having all the other kids see me get my cheese sandwich. This pisses me off! If we can send $900 million to help Gaza why cant we provide a meal to a poor student who's parents have lost their jobs.
Jessica Gardner of Little Merry Sunshine sheds some light on the process:
I also understand that schools can't simply be in the business of giving everyone free lunches all the time without reimbursement from somewhere. Sure there is the National School Lunch Program, but to get your child qualified for free or reduced lunches is incredibly difficult. In my own school district, a family of 4 cannot have an income of more than $755 per week. That's for a family of 4. That's not much money, especially in the Chicago area. Even if you do meet the income requirement, there is an application process. And you may not get an instant answer.
The news coverage I've read has not addressed whether there's any consideration given to whether or not a family has applied for free or subsidized lunches in this scenario. Should that matter?
