Should all urban kids get free meals?

[Curtis Metcalf]

America, indeed, hates the poor.  There are penalties and roadblocks inflicted upon the poor for no other reason than that they're poor.  Call it Socialism or whatever -ism you wish, but no kid should ever go hungry in the "richest" country in the world.

Seconded. Whatever you think of their parents, these are kids.

[Reginald Hudlin]

But where I'm coming from are the days before they go to school: Ages 1-4 wouldn't these kids have health problems?

Yes, that's right.

And the cost of poor nutrition is not only kids not making the most of their education, but increased health costs later in life.  These kinds of preventative expenses save so much money it's crazy.

Not to mention, when you work at a really dope company, there's all kinds of free food.  Because they want to attract the best employees and give them the resources to win.  But most Americans a) have never worked anywhere like that, and b) don't think that kind of motivation should apply to the average American.

[BmoreAkuma]

If I came off too standoffish I apologize. It just hit me that if the parents are too poor to feed these for school, then most likely they were too poor to feed them as toddlers which imo would lead to serious conditions. I can't imagine what these little kids have go to through as toddlers with the lack of food.

However as many programs out there a single woman with a minor newborn has "priority 1" among WiC applicants (that is if assuming the "funding is available") and Temporary Cash Assistance. Unfortunately many are ignorant of these programs.

[Curtis Metcalf]

But where I'm coming from are the days before they go to school: Ages 1-4 wouldn't these kids have health problems?

Yes, that's right.

And the cost of poor nutrition is not only kids not making the most of their education, but increased health costs later in life.  These kinds of preventative expenses save so much money it's crazy.

That's a great point. Not only is it the right thing to do, it's a smart investment that actually saves the government (us) money. The same is true of universal preschool.

[Francisco]

I think it rather has more to do with America wanting parents to feed their own children.
Why try if the government is going to do it for you? Not trying to start anything just saying.

Are you arguing that people are choosing not to feed their children? If so, I'll need a pile of evidence.

Beyond hating poor people, America thinks they are morally deficient. That's why they're poor.

Not I'm not arguing that I'm just saying it could be the case for some people. I'm poor myself living in relatively poor country so I know poverty from a first hand persepective and it is not a one mold fits all thing. That's what right wingos and far lefties don't get.

[Catch22]

I think it rather has more to do with America wanting parents to feed their own children.
Why try if the government is going to do it for you? Not trying to start anything just saying.

Are you arguing that people are choosing not to feed their children? If so, I'll need a pile of evidence.

Beyond hating poor people, America thinks they are morally deficient. That's why they're poor.

Not I'm not arguing that I'm just saying it could be the case for some people. I'm poor myself living in relatively poor country so I know poverty from a first hand persepective and it is not a one mold fits all thing. That's what right wingos and far lefties don't get.

In America the poor and the black are monolithic.  If you're poor or black, then it's a sweeping generalization that tries to fit everything about you in a box.  With poor people, there's a disdain on the far right that borders on the surreal and ridiculous.  Check out this link...it's the Daily Show, but it's still relevant to the discussion.  That's how the right feels about poor people...you dont' have a job or you're under employed, then you're a "moocher".   "Or a food chilling, motherf%*#(!"


http://www.hulu.com/watch/ad/53555

[Reginald Hudlin]

Not just black, but Latino too. And with their population growth, they are totally willing to cut off their nose to spite their face.