Laconia free lunch program

[Rusty]

On the front page of today’s LDS there is an article about how the “Number of Laconia students accepting free or reduced-price lunch is approaching two out of three.”

According to the article “Students who have a free or subsidized lunch now enjoy more confidentiality than ever before, passing through the point-of-sale transaction without other students, or even the cafeteria workers, aware of who pays what for lunch.”

I wonder how many families that use this service have things like: two cars in their garage, hi speed internet, 60” HD TV with cable premium service, etc.

You can read the article HERE (http://www.laconiadailysun.com/LaconiaPDF/2011/1/4L.pdf)

[This'nThat]

I wonder how many families that use this service have things like: two cars in their garage, hi speed internet, 60” HD TV with cable premium service, etc.
How much does a package of baloney, an apple, some bread, and a glass of milk cost these days? And why can't parents provide that, put it all in a lunchpail, and send their kid off to school? Why is it that "Government" determines that "all kids need to eat government-decided meals", and then extract money from me to feed my neighbor's kids?

And it's only going to get worse. I just heard that colleges in Pennsylvania want to charge wealthier families more for tuition now so they can re-distribute that money to less wealthy students. That's because "less wealthy students aren't attending college at high enough rates" any more. No mention of cutting college costs, of course. Just continue to spend, and re-distribute money as they see fit.

[Argie's Wife]

If you look at Laconia's demographics, it's not hard to believe these numbers at all. Laconia has a unique demographics for the Lakes Region as there's far more families who are at or below the poverty line. There's also the sad reality that there are homeless students.

Considering the current state of the economy I'm not surprised by this at all - and this really is old news. The numbers reported in this article are over a year old already.

For what it's worth...
School lunch programs run independently of a school's budget; they have their own budget and they are supposed to be self-supporting. Some school lunch programs bring in revenue, which is used to off-set the cost of new equipment, maintenance of equipment, etc. The money to pay for the free or reduced lunches comes from Federal funds - not local. (Yes, it's still the same coffer, just a different pocket.)

In my opinion, this is one of the toughest departments to manage in a school because it's supposed to turn revenue, yet serve nutritious food the kids will buy and eat, AND look after the kids' whose families can't afford to pay full price for hot lunch (and maybe breakfast - some schools also serve breakfast.) It's a fine line of management that these directors have to walk each school year.

For some students, hot lunch may be the only hot, balanced meal they receive in the day.

If they qualify for free or reduced lunch, per Federal guidelines (the only guidelines used for these programs), then they have to prove their income to meet the criteria - it's not an easy or fun form, either. It's like filling out a tax schedule.

[christo1]

A guy I work with had his daughter come home from school and tell him she gets her lunch for free now . He lives in one of the bigger cities in Massachusetts. So he called the school turns out if you have four kids (not all in school) you automatically get free lunch.He told the school he would pay for his daughters lunch, how many people who dont need the help refuse it I wonder?

[baygo]

How much does a package of baloney, an apple, some bread, and a glass of milk cost these days? And why can't parents provide that, put it all in a lunchpail, and send their kid off to school? Why is it that "Government" determines that "all kids need to eat government-decided meals", and then extract money from me to feed my neighbor's kids?



They have nothing left after they use the government aide to buy cigarettes alcohol and drugs.

[fatlazyless]

Go to www.nh.gov/nhes/elmi/laushighlight.htm and you learn that Laconia has an unemployment rate of 6.2%, and it is one of six areas in the state that are registered at a rate above 6.0 percent.
.................

The food pantry www.stvdplaconia.com in Laconia which is next to the new McDonald's is open

Monday noon-2pm

Wednesday 6pm - 8pm

Definately want to get there early and get in line!!!
..................

Wednesday, January 12 is the next monthly truckload meat sale at www.heathsmarket.com in Center Harbor! Super-duper high quality meats at bargain basement prices!

.....say hey....while you are in the store....go check out the little reduced price - day old rack way in the back of the store which has different bakery items such as a loaf of garlic-cheese bread or a six-pak of chocolate macaroons.....almost always a pleasant surprise back there......

[ishoot308]

They have nothing left after they use the government aide to buy cigarettes alcohol and drugs.

Yeah, and if you think that's bad how about a FREE government subsidized cell phone with free calling minutes!!! Of course subsidized means paid for by you and me!! https://www.safelinkwireless.com/EnrollmentPublic/home.aspx

[RailroadJoe]

Back in the 40's we brown bagged lunch at high school and in grammar school we walked back home for lunch.

[gtagrip]

And it's only going to get worse. I just heard that colleges in Pennsylvania want to charge wealthier families more for tuition now so they can re-distribute that money to less wealthy students. That's because "less wealthy students aren't attending college at high enough rates" any more. No mention of cutting college costs, of course. Just continue to spend, and re-distribute money as they see fit.

This one is my favorites! Re-distribution! For what? Life isn't fair, so we have to make it fair? C'mon!

I understand that less wealthy kids can't afford to go to college, but is that my fault? So I should end up paying for someone else's kid a long with my own to go to college! Good grief! :confused:

[VitaBene]

Back in the 40's we brown bagged lunch at high school and in grammar school we walked back home for lunch.

And we did it uphill in both directions through the snow!! I am starting to sound like my mother.

[BroadHopper]

Take a look at the cars in the project off Blueberry Lane. Big SUVs! . There are even kayaks and canoes in the back yard. I saw an RV! There is cable in every unit as well as big HDTV. They even get free babysitting service from CAP. Looks like you can live pretty well off Section 8, fuel assistance, food stamp and welfare!

[Jeanzb1]

.....but here in Florida, too. I volunteer in one of St. Lucie County's elementary schools every week where literally 100 percent of the 660 students receive free breakfast and free lunch. Because of this, one would think that the kids are hungry, yet the waste is PHENOMENAL. Unopened cartons of milk, untouched hamburgers, fruit -- all gets dumped in the trash every single day. Then after school the long line of SUVs (equipped with DVD players!) forms to pick up their children so the poor darlings don't have to ride the schoolbus. Something is drastically wrong with this picture.......

[Convertible Girl]

I work at a school right here in New Hampshire and know for a fact that only a small percentage of the families who apply for free and reduced lunch actually have to provide proof of their income. I wonder how many family incomes if checked would show no eligibility for this program.

[ishoot308]

I work at a school right here in New Hampshire and know for a fact that only a small percentage of the families who apply for free and reduced lunch actually have to provide proof of their income. I wonder how many family incomes if checked would show no eligibility for this program.

This is really unfortunate as those who are truly in need certainly should be helped by this program as that is what it was designed for. Those taking advantage of the system should be ashamed!

Dan

[crowsnest]

And we did it uphill in both directions through the snow!! I am starting to sound like my mother.

"with no shoes"

[This'nThat]

Those taking advantage of the system should be ashamed!
No way they are ashamed. I worked with a guy once and overheard him boasting about how he used food stamps in college. I asked him why he did that? His answer knocked me over: "Because I deserve it. Look at me now. I graduated from college and am a productive citizen. Otherwise, I might be on welfare".

So I asked him -- Did you really need food stamps? His answer: "No, but they were there, so I took advantage of it".

Sorry, folks, but that concept would have never occured to me. But he wasn't embarrassed at all. And I imagine he teaches his kids the same thing. At our cost and expense, of course.

Don't ask them to not drive SUVs. "Smaller cars are dangerous", they'll say. "You want us to end up in the emergency room, costing taxpayers even more money?". Gee, how can you argue with stupidity like that?

[jmen24]

A little insight on the section 8 abuse.

I worked for 5 years for a property management company that has 240 section 8 eligable apartments in Allenstown, Pembroke, Gilford, Franklin and Lancaster.

Not all renters in these housing developments are on section 8 and some make more than most folks I know. Any Joe can rent an apartment from them, they just pay market value (which is crazy high for what you get).

The income verification process on section 8 housing is very indepth, your bank would have to lie for you. Most of the folks that have really expensive things that are on section 8 or welfare, Rent-to-own. Can't tell you the number of times I saw furniture, TVs, nice electronics get repoed. Then next week they had new stuff. Cars, patio furniture even.

There are many people that get a job after they are processed and moved in. It is really tough to prove that someone has a job they are not claiming, you cannot go back and verify the bank accounts without the renters permission and most companies do not have the money to have employees follow renters around to verify that they have a job.

From first hand experience, 1 in 6 on section 8 or welfare that lived in our apartments, really needed it. 2 in 6 lived there paying full pull and the remainder worked the system. It was a real eye opener working there.

Just don't judge them all the same, because they are not. The wasters and abusers, don't really care what you decide to do with them.

Now as for the reduced or free lunch.

Having worked around many people that could care less what their kids have or look like, I think it is great that that kid can go to school and get a solid breakfast and a lunch (even if I am paying the tab), knowing that dinner will probably be a can of soda and some crackers.
Think I am exagerating, most cannot even begin to imagine some of the things I have seen regarding living conditions and treatment of children. I don't even talk about some of it. When that kid is "get a job" age, well I think it's about time to get one and move off the free tab. Unfortunately that is rarely the case, they just move in next door.

Feed the young kids, it's not their fault that their parents have either created this condition or fell into it by losing a job.

And No, most of the folks that are abusing the system, have absolutely no remorse and are happy to share their secrets with you. Unfortunately you can't hit them with anything, being an employee of the property owners and all. You would not believe the self control I have after the 5 years working there!

[Ropetow]

If you look at Laconia's demographics, it's not hard to believe these numbers at all. Laconia has a unique demographics for the Lakes Region as there's far more families who are at or below the poverty line. There's also the sad reality that there are homeless students....

If they qualify for free or reduced lunch, per Federal guidelines (the only guidelines used for these programs), then they have to prove their income to meet the criteria - it's not an easy or fun form, either. It's like filling out a tax schedule.

Argie's Wife is 100% accurate here. I dealt with this program directly as a school principal 15 or so years ago and indirectly today as a School Board member. Let the record show that I've been called many things in 54 years, but being a Liberal has never been one of them. And I'm proud of that. But this is a worthwhile program for the kids. Is there fraud? Of course. As there is fraud everywhere. Including from some forum members, I'm sure. (Do we all tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth on our 1040s and associated schedules?) But those who don't understand what poverty there is just around the corner need to get out and take a nice drive around. And let's not go down the "back in the day during the 40s and 50s" road. Yeah, I walked home for lunch from grade one through grade six. And walked uphill both ways. My mom was a stay-at-home mom while we were in elementary school. Folks, let's face reality here. Ward and June Cleaver aren't coming down the stairs for breakfast. And if they were, Ward would be an unemployed drug addict, he'd be divorced from June who would have 'issues' of her own, and the Beaver would have his very own probation officer. As the folks from Monty Python famously once said, "Society is to blame."

[Rusty]

Argie's Wife is 100% accurate here. I dealt with this program directly as a school principal 15 or so years ago and indirectly today as a School Board member. Let the record show that I've been called many things in 54 years, but being a Liberal has never been one of them. And I'm proud of that. But this is a worthwhile program for the kids. Is there fraud? Of course. As there is fraud everywhere. Including from some forum members, I'm sure. (Do we all tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth on our 1040s and associated schedules?) But those who don't understand what poverty there is just around the corner need to get out and take a nice drive around. And let's not go down the "back in the day during the 40s and 50s" road. Yeah, I walked home for lunch from grade one through grade six. And walked uphill both ways. My mom was a stay-at-home mom while we were in elementary school. Folks, let's face reality here. Ward and June Cleaver aren't coming down the stairs for breakfast. And if they were, Ward would be an unemployed drug addict, he'd be divorced from June who would have 'issues' of her own, and the Beaver would have his very own probation officer. As the folks from Monty Python famously once said, "Society is to blame."


Their parents are unemployed drug addicts, divorced, and the children have probation officers assigned to them?
These are the main reasons that Laconia has so many young children getting free lunchs?

Were you a principal in the Laconia school system or some other town in NH to be able to say this with such authority?
I really hope that your answer is "NO"!

[lawn psycho]

This one is my favorites! Re-distribution! For what? Life isn't fair, so we have to make it fair? C'mon!

I understand that less wealthy kids can't afford to go to college, but is that my fault? So I should end up paying for someone else's kid a long with my own to go to college! Good grief! :confused:

The whole college tax credit/deduction scheme is social engineering at its best. First, there are income caps on most of the college credits/deductions. If income limits don't bite you, saving into a 529 plan means the Hope and Lifetime learning are off limits too you if that's all the money you use/need. No deduction for the prudent person who actually SAVED.

Basically if you saved over the long haul you get less (or even no) deductions than the guy who finances everything. So savers pay for their own kids AND your neighbors.

[TiltonBB]

I have owned residential income property in Massachusetts and New Hampshire since 1978 and during that time I have had approximately 40 section 8 tenants. In my opinion 2 of them deserved it, 38 were scamming the system.

The 38 thieves all had cash jobs from stripper to house painter. They all got more cable stations than I would ever pay for, had nice cars, pets, cell phones and plenty of money for cigarettes and alcohol.

I would have loved to turn all of them in for prosecution but the liberal court system generally takes 3-4 months for an eviction. During that time you lose the rental income and the tenants trash your house for ruining their scam. Not a great option.

As Howie Carr says "The safety net has become a hammock". If you offer people an opportunity for something for nothing, 95% of people will take it whether they deserve it or not.

As has been said recently, when 50% of the residents of this country do not pay income taxes there is something wrong with the system.

[This'nThat]

Folks, let's face reality here. Ward and June Cleaver aren't coming down the stairs for breakfast. And if they were, Ward would be an unemployed drug addict, he'd be divorced from June who would have 'issues' of her own, and the Beaver would have his very own probation officer. As the folks from Monty Python famously once said, "Society is to blame."
If Ward and June Cleaver ran into a problem, I'd be the first to try to help.

As for the divorced drug addict and criminal kid -- no way I want any of my money to go to support them. As far as I'm concerned, they can clean up their act first. Then I'd decide whether to give them any slack.

And ---- I'm not to blame for the second case, here. THEY ARE TO BLAME! Not me. Not "society". And I don't like it one bit when the liberals try to make me pay for every tom, dick, and harry that self-destruct and then expect (in many cases, demand) to be taken care of in the style that they describe.