A GOP lawmaker believes that instead of depending on complimentary school meals, students should earn them through work.
Rep. Rich McCormick from Georgia stated that President Donald Trump’s unexpected directive to halt federal funding for grants and loans presents a chance for a comprehensive “top-down” analysis of expenditures, including those for complimentary school lunches.
During a Tuesday discussion on CNN Newsroom, the representative attempted to sidestep Pamela Brown’s inquiries regarding his support for eliminating programs like Head Start, which offers free meals to countless low-income children across the nation.
After the CNN host pressed him more directly a third time, McCormick contended that “we are currently facing such a deficit crisis that if we do not implement substantial changes, we could face insolvency as a country.”
“In my high school days, I worked throughout,” he expressed. “Are you suggesting that children who choose to stay at home instead of working at Burger King or McDonald’s during the summer should just remain at home to receive their free lunch?”
Brown interjected, questioning McCormick if he believes that children in his constituency who depend on free meals are “merely sitting at home and not working.”
“Certainly not, but this offers us an opportunity to assess where funds are truly allocated,” the congressman responded while reaffirming his fast-food narrative.
“Who has the ability to generate their own income, who can step out and engage in activities that enhance their value and work skills for the future?” he stated. “I mean, how many individuals began their careers in the fast-food sector as kids?”
McCormick maintained that children ought to be empowered to escape poverty rather than focus on “how they can rely on government assistance when it’s unnecessary.”
When Brown highlighted that many students benefiting from free school meals are not of working age, McCormick simply remarked that his views do not pertain to everyone.
Numerous research studies indicate that complimentary school meals contribute to improved health and enhanced academic performance without adversely affecting students’ weight.
