In a surprising turn of events, the Waukesha school board in Wisconsin has reversed its decision to opt-out of a federal free lunch program after facing significant public outcry. Initially, the board rejected the Seamless Summer Option, a federal initiative designed to provide free meals to all students in qualifying districts, citing concerns about government intervention. However, following a second vote, the board narrowly passed a motion to reinstate the program with a 5-4 vote.
This close call raises eyebrows about which board members were against feeding children. Those who opposed the measure voiced concerns about providing free lunches to all students rather than just those who meet specific economic criteria. They seemed unconcerned about the stigma surrounding free meals and the benefits of ensuring that all kids, regardless of their background, receive proper nutrition.
One board member, Anthony Zenobia, expressed his worries about feeding children, linking it bizarrely to fears of “mob rule” and other unrelated issues, while another member, Karin Rajnicek, claimed that providing free meals would spoil the children. It appears that some board members struggle to understand that access to food is a basic necessity, not a privilege.
Interestingly, Joseph Como, the board president who ultimately supported reinstating the program, admitted he couldn’t relate to the experience of hunger, stating, “I eat every meal every day.” His comments highlight a disconnect from the realities that many students face, as he only recently recognized that school meals often represent the only reliable food source for some kids.
Despite the late realization, Como now emphasizes the importance of ensuring that all children are fed. While it’s unfortunate that it took public protests and community pressure to reach this conclusion, the board’s change of heart comes as a relief to many families reliant on these meals.
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- What is the Seamless Summer Option?
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In summary, after a controversial decision to deny free lunches to students, the Waukesha school board has backtracked and reinstated the program due to public outcry. While the reversal is a positive outcome for families in need, the events highlight the necessity for board members to better understand the challenges faced by their community.
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