I really couldn’t believe it. I read that Missouri State Representative Cynthia Davis had allegedly opposed extending school lunch programs into the summer months.
And I simply couldn’t imagine it.The National School Lunch Program is one of those Federal programs that attracts wide, bipartisan support. Who could NOT support a program that makes sure kids don’t go hungry?
Rep. Davis, apparently.
In her June newsletter, Davis indeed rails against programs that provide nutritious food to children during the summer months. “Hunger can be a positive motivator,” she says.
She also suggests that eliminating a summer food program might help combat childhood obesity. “People who are struggling with lack of food usually do not have an obesity problem,” she says. (Which, of course, completely ignores the fact that the prevalence of obesity among low-income children seems to be related to “food insecurity,” not nutritious lunches during the summer.
I agree with the author’s stance on the press release, but she does take some quotes out of context. Davis never said eliminating the program would help with obesity, but she does ignore the fact that low income children have higher rates of obesity, and even suggests that kids instead get jobs at mcdonalds so they can be fed during their breaks.
Here’s her entire quote — I don’t think it’s out of context: “The problem of childhood obesity has been cited as one of the most rapidly growing health problems in America. People who are struggling with lack of food usually do not have an obesity problem.”
I read Rep. Davis’ point by point rebuttal to the State press release and I also found what she said hard to believe. Ideology does make you blind to reality, I think. The saddest part of the story is that her constituents vote for her to represent them. Thanks for sharing!
The only thing worse than an advocate against feeding children whose parents can’t afford food… is one who openly professes to be a Christian. Nuff said.
Stupid to believe that stopping a school-lunch program will stop obesity. Shows her ignorance.
But to believe schools should be food kitchens when they’re otherwise not open is the height of the “we have to take care of you; elect us so we can provide you handouts” mentality.
There are two sides to many, many issues.