With pending legislation designed to make all Delaware public school students eligible to receive free meals, one representative says he has a related, but less expensive, plan. Rep. Bryan Shupe, R-Milford, said he’s drafted a measure to assist students in the schools not covered by the federal free meals program, for a cost of $253,000 annually. He believes that’s a better alternative to a proposal to qualify every pupil in Delaware for free lunch — at a price he says would be $31 million a year.
- I think all public school students should receive free lunch. I do not qualify for free/reduced lunch and make nowhere near a six-figure salary. Thankfully, the district my children are in received a grant to provide free breakfast and lunch to all students, and it’s been such a relief. — Sherette Taylor
- Those people usually don’t send their kids to public schools. Private schools usually add it into tuition. — Ann Bonniwell
- If you read the article, I am proposing a bill that will help families that currently pay reduced-price lunch receive free lunch. That fiscal note is $253,000 per year. Families that are at the federal poverty level already receive free lunch. I do not believe taxpayers should be buying lunch for families that can afford it at a price tag of $31 million. — Mr. 302
- Unfortunately, making six figures even by one parent is no longer considered a good living. — Ryan S. VenDouern
- Attendance is required, and meals should be, also. Children should not be worried about lunch debts or singled out for receiving free or reduced lunch. I’ll gladly pay the higher taxes to eliminate this unnecessary stress from their lives. Pay teachers more and feed all the children lunch. — Scott Workman
- The amount of taxes is shocking: $31 million. The same amount that it would cost to place a school resource officer or constable in every school in Delaware. The school lunch bill I am proposing will provide free breakfast and lunch for the families on reduced school lunch for a fiscal note of $253,000. — Mr. 302
