But, a bigger point, that I think gets forgotten far too often is a meal lets kids know someone out there cares enough to make sure you have something to eat, which provides a little security in the lives of kids who are dealing with much bigger issues. Whether it is a temporary economic setback in the home or parental substance abuse issues, physical abuse or general neglect, knowing there is a place, like school,where someone cares — even just a little — can mean the difference between staying in school, pushing toward bigger and better things and giving up on themselves because they believe no one cares. --- So when it comes to asking the question, why should I support this? --- Because a child or youth striving to pull themselves out of a bad situation by making it to school deserves a meal and the self-respect that goes with it.
Christina Martens, “More to School Meal Programs Than Just a Bite to Eat”. Wetaskiwin Times (19 April 2017).
Feeding hungry children and adults is exactly how I want my tax dollars spent.
