Schools sees increase in free/reduced meals
By MICHAEL ERB
POSTED: January 9, 2009
PARKERSBURG - Applications for free- and reduced-price meal programs in Wood County Schools jumped by 6 percent this school year, the biggest jump in more than 10 years.
Sue Woodward, spokeswoman for the district, said the county saw a 3 percent increase in applications within the first two months of school, but the number has since doubled as more parents scramble to take advantage of the program.
About 47 percent of Wood County Schools' more than 13,000 students are now enrolled in free- and reduced-price meal programs.
Woodward said recent changes in the district's closed campus policy also may be a factor.
"In the high schools, especially, we've seen an increase since the closed campus was put into place," she said. "This is the first year for Parkersburg South High School to have closed campus, and we've seen an increase there."
Woodward said other programs also have been tied into the application process for the meal program, which has increased the number applications.
Also, families receiving food stamps automatically had children enrolled in the meal program.
"Even if they choose not to take advantage of the program, they are enrolled," she said.
Statewide, 52.7 percent of children enrolled in school received free or low-cost lunches in 2007.
Gary Hendricks, director of nutrition for Kanawha County schools, says more than 51 percent of children are already getting lunches through the program. In the previous school year, that mark wasn't reached until April.
Officials from the Northern to the Eastern panhandles report similar increases.
Nancy Karavolos, director of nutrition for Hancock County schools, says the bad economy means more children are in need.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Member Comments
View Comments: | 1-14 | Post a comment
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MrAlex
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01-10-09 2:58 AM
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But I do not feel that I should have to help pay for the kids of the irresponsible people who are staying home having s*x while I'm out working my rear end off to better myself. Let them get jobs and pay for their own kids. Their kids are NOT my responsibility. If I want something, I work and pay for it. I can see helping those in need, but the ones who KNOW they can't afford kids and keep having them, that's THEIR responsibility. No, I don't think their kids should starve, but there's got to be a way to make those people STOP having kids they can't afford to feed. As long as the government keeps giving them free money, they'll keep breeding and not caring about how it burdens the tax paying people who go to work each day, unlike themselves.
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MrAlex
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01-10-09 2:54 AM
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Shelia, I agree with you that the USA needs to keep a lot more of our money here at home to help our citizens first, but I think you're still missing the point. From your posts I can tell you're not very well educated and you don't really know what's going on in the country, and from the way you talk you seem all in favor of soc ial ism. But only those in your situation tend to think that way. You think the government is here to provide for you or those who are poor? Our government (which you never studied, obviously) is here to provide us the OPPORTUNITY to make it on our own and to defend us against other countries who might want to attack us. But too many libs think the government OWES everyone. And you're in to that liberal soc ial ist thing of taking from those who have and giving it to those who don't. And being a republican doesn't mean someone is greedy, rich, powerful, and that we hate poor people. Yes, I have a lot, but I worked hard for it! And I'm proud of it.
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MrAlex
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01-10-09 2:48 AM
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OK. Look. I understand that some times people can afford kids and have them, then fall on hard times. I'm not saying their kids should go hungry at school. I'm only saying that the people who ARE on welfare or who already know they can't afford to have kids.... those are the ones who should NOT have kids, or STOP having kids. But those are the ones out there breeding like rabbits. I'm not cold hearted. I care about kids! And I think the school system does a great job. But I get sick of the parents who KNOW they can't afford kids, but keep having them because they know the schools and society will pay their bills, feed their kids, and provide them with drug and alcohol money. I know it's not all black and white, but some people are just morons and KNOW they can't afford kids, but have them any way. THOSE are the people I'm talking about. You know? If you and your spouse have high school diplomas and work at McDonalds and Burger King,.... THINK!!
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Ashamed
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01-10-09 12:09 AM
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It appears Mr A and others are missing the point of this article. I believe this article is pointing out how the economy is affecting everything even the number of those needing assistance with school meals. With so many lay offs, business closings and jobs sent overseas, It is only natural for assistance requests to increase. I am from a poor family. My parents did all they could to support me and my sister but it still wasn't enough. Thank God for the free meals otherwise I may not be here today. For payment of my meals, the cooks did let me help clean dishes and the cafeteria when lunch was over. I learned one thing through all that. We need to help each other in good and bad times. Or should we all be like Scrooge and if the surplus poplutation is to die then they should get to it. I have never posted any comments anywhere till now. I simply believe there has to be compasion for our fellow man/children or our world is going to simply spiral into*****that much faster.
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bobzim
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01-09-09 8:39 PM
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I agree 100% that people should think before having kids. If they cannot afford them, don't have them. But, some people go ahead and have kids anyway. What should we do when the child comes to school hungry with no money for lunch? Should the kid have to sit in the classroom or the cafeteria while the rest of the kids eat? What about those parents who when they had their kids were working a good job(s) and are now unemployed? Do we let their children go hungry at school? Some of you posting on here think everything is black and white, but that's not how the real world is. I would hate to think that some of you would be coldhearted enough to let children go hungry. It is not their fault their parents are in a bad way. We should all be watching out for each other, especially the kids. There, but for the grace of God go I (or my children). Some of you will call this being a liberal; I call it being a human being.
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MrAlex
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01-09-09 6:25 PM
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And don't get me wrong. I love kids; I think kids are great! But don't have them if you can't afford them. Can't you understand that, Shelia? Where does it end? How long will it be before the school system starts having to provide dinner for these kids, too? Some school systems are already providing free dental care, eye exams, and therapists, and other medical services. Where does it end? I don't think people should have to take a test to have kids, but they darn well should be able to afford them before they go and make them! Otherwise, keep it in your pants!
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MrAlex
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01-09-09 6:22 PM
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And Sheila, you're only flabergasted and feel that this is a lame conversation because (and I'm guessing here) you're a liberal dem. Right? Are you in to soc ial ism? Make everyone pay for everyone else? Trust me, I don't mean to be mean or rude here, but I'm sick of people being irresponsible and then expecting society to pay for their problems they got themsevles in to. But you see? With my example about my house... I'm sure you don't want to pay me to have a better house by using the money you earn from YOUR job, right? Well, a lot of us don't want to have to pay for other people's kids. We didn't make them. They're not our responsibility. They SHOULD NOT be the schools' responsibilities! The schools struggle as it is, and then they have to add "Feeding thousands of kids" breakfast and lunch every day because their parents can't afford to pay for them. So what do the parents do? They have MORE kids for us to take care of because the free money never stops!
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MrAlex
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01-09-09 6:16 PM
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Hey, Shelia... I'm thinking of buying a more expensive house, but I can't afford to make the payments on a more expensive house.... so I'm going to count on YOU to help make my payments. OK? Is that alright with you? NO?? well, it's the same with kids. I can't afford a better house, so I don't buy it. If people can't afford to have kids, then they shouldn't have them and make everyone else pay the bills! And where do adults come from? Hopefully "responsible adults" will come from other responsible adults who planned ahead and made sure they could afford to PAY for the kid(s) they decided to have so that society wouldn't have to pay to support those kids! Now... will you be sending me cash or a check each month??
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thesafe1
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01-09-09 4:41 PM
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I have an idea, make the kids and/or parents getting "free" food serve some time in the kitchen and wash the dishes a couple times a week. Maybe push a mop around the bathroom occasionally? Act as crossing guards? Wash windows? Clean desks? Make people earn their keep, I'm sick of footing this bill.
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linda905
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01-09-09 1:26 PM
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I almost forgot--a test to have kids? If that became a law (or whatever), there would probably be only 1 or 2 kids born a year. Most people don't have the sense to raise a kid today, and too many females don't even know how to prevent unwanted pregnancies!! (...but we only did it once!) PLEASE!!!!
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linda905
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01-09-09 1:22 PM
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My husband and I chose not to have kids--not that we don't like kids, but we knew in 1982 when we got married, that it would be too expensive later in life. If we had gone ahead and had a kid or two, we would be in dire straights today. Now, we are faced with an unsure economy, no jobs, rising prices on everything, and a war that seems like it will never end. Think ahead--MrAlex is right--if you can't afford kids, don't have them, and if you do, don't expect the rest of us to help you pay for them. It is hard enough to get by, without having to pay for your brats!! Get your lazy butt out and get a job - any kind of job - and pay your own way!!
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JCB1964
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01-09-09 8:39 AM
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Why NOT a test to have kids?
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JCB1964
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01-09-09 8:38 AM
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You are so right. One has to pass a test to get a drivers license, why a test to have kids.
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MrAlex
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01-09-09 7:04 AM
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What this really means is that TOO many people who can't afford to HAVE kids are having kids. People don't think about having kids any more and don't plan ahead. They just know that society will take care of their kids. The schools will provide everything their kids need at school including free food for breakfast and lunch every day. People.... If you CAN'T afford to take care of kids, STOP having them! Kids are expensive! THINK! I'm so sick of society having to take care of and provide for everyone's kids. To quote Charlie Brown: "Good Grief!!"
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