Let's talk about a few ridiculously nerdy things I do.

I follow a lot of child nutrition blog sites, twitter feeds and Facebook pages.  Basically, if something happens in the school nutrition business, I will hear about it one way or another.

So when some of my Facebook feeds started blowing up about this story I too wanted to weigh in.


Dear Mr. Canterbury,

Your proposal that students receiving free or reduced lunch "work" for their food by doing odd jobs such as cleaning tables and scrubbing toilets has to be one of the most ridiculous things that I have ever heard.

First, Mr. Canterbury let's address a few reasons why this simply won't work.  It is impossible to explain to a five year old kindergarten student that he must pick up the trash left after lunch to pay for his meal while other students are not expected to do the same.  Many children, especially those on an elementary level, are completely unaware that their lunch is subsidize.  Anonymity is one of the reason the program works so well.

Secondly, this anonymity becomes even more important to our older students.  How would you feel if it was basically announced to all the other West Virginia delegates that since you make the least amount of money, you'll be cleaning the toilets and eating for free.

High school is hard enough, let's not add this to the mix.

You are quoted as saying there is no such thing as a free lunch.  Really?  It's slightly hypocritical of you considering during your sessions, lunch is provided.  Perhaps there was a potluck that I was unaware of but I'm pretty sure all you had to do was show up and someone fed you.

Granted, you didn't pay for that lunch and someone else did, but what exactly did you do to "earn" it?

Absolutely nothing.

~kisa