In a world where more children are enjoying free breakfast at school than ever before, some Republicans are less than thrilled about the situation. Why, you ask? It seems that the success of a program designed to nourish hungry kids has struck a nerve.
A recent report from the Food Research and Action Center (FRAC) reveals that school breakfast participation among low-income children surged by 3.7 percent during the 2015-2016 school year. Now, over 12 million low-income kids are starting their day with a nutritious meal at school, which is a staggering 50 percent increase from a decade ago. Who could possibly find fault with that?
If you guessed “Republicans,” congratulations—you’ve just won a lifetime supply of frustration!
The Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), a program established during the Obama administration, is under fire. Under this initiative, schools where at least 40 percent of students qualify for free meals can provide those meals to all students at no charge. That’s right—no more paperwork for families to fill out, and no more stigmatization for those who need it most.
But hold on—some Republican lawmakers argue that this program gives free meals to kids whose families can afford to pay. They want to raise the eligibility threshold to 60%, labeling the CEP as “welfare for middle-class kids.” Seriously? Since when did helping hungry children become a budget issue?
Let’s dissect that income threshold. A family of four making $35,000 or even $40,000 a year wouldn’t qualify. In fact, Pew Research suggests that a family is only considered “middle class” once they earn 67-200% of the state’s median income. So, where is this so-called “middle-class welfare” coming from?
The reality is that many families are struggling, and it’s the kids who suffer. If a community has a high percentage of students living in poverty, they should absolutely have access to free breakfast at school. Who could argue against that?
It’s disheartening to see the same individuals who defend billionaires avoiding taxes now wanting to tighten the belt on programs that help struggling families. With millionaires dodging taxes and corporations receiving massive breaks, it’s baffling that the focus is on cutting crucial support for those in need.
The CEP has successfully increased breakfast participation among low-income kids by 50 percent—now that’s what I call a success story! But instead of celebrating this achievement, Congress seems more interested in “reforming” it. Meanwhile, a border wall projected to cost taxpayers $22 billion rolls right along without a hitch. Is this really the world we live in?
We need to stop allowing those in power to dig into the pockets of the most vulnerable while fattening the wallets of the wealthy. For more insights into family planning and home insemination, check out this excellent resource on pregnancy and home insemination. And if you’re curious about options for starting a family, visit BabyMaker at Home.
In summary, the push to reform a program that feeds hungry children while letting the wealthy off the hook is a perplexing contradiction. We must prioritize nourishing our future generations over catering to the rich.