LOS ANGELES (KTLA) — Hundreds of parents and school workers are kicking off a week of rallies Tuesday in support of “Breakfast in the Classroom.”
It’s a federally-funded program that provides students with a healthy meal before their first lesson.
The program currently serves breakfast to nearly 200,000 students at 279 schools each day.
It was introduced this school year, with the goal of expanding it to all L.A. Unified School District schools in three years.
Supporters say that the program is necessary because over 553,000 students qualify for a free or reduced-priced breakfast.
However, only 29 percent of students participated in the traditional cafeteria breakfast program.
They also argue that the program has saved thousands of cafeteria worker jobs by making the district eligible for federal funds.
If it’s eliminated, they say, nearly 1,000 cafeteria jobs would be cut immediately.
But the United Teachers of Los Angeles has proved to be less than thrilled about the program. The union says eating in the classroom is messy and takes up valuable learning time.
Superintendent John Deasy has asked the LASUD School Board to reaffirm support for the program.
Deasy has been a vocal supporter of the program, saying children “have a fundamental right to a healthy meal prior to beginning their instructional day.”
He also says the program has brought financial benefits to the district, saving 832 food service positions in 2012-13.
According to Deasy, the program is expected to generate a net income of $6 million for the district this year, which goes into the general fund.
The board is set to vote on the future of Breakfast in the Classroom program on May 14.
wgary34
Great reason for a rally….unlike some places that rally for fire pits….
c00000b
i hope the program gets cut!
exhausted10
cut it – feed them at home with their food stamps
Ricardo640
Dont have babies if you can't feed them
Yahoo1948
Why is it so difficult for parents to get off their lazy behinds and feed their kids at home !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The taxpayer should not have to foot the bill twice. Once for the welfare and twice for their darn breakfasts.
If you cannot afford kids, don't produce them !!!
GnarleyBarley
Teech children to ern foood, not deemand it
GnarleyBarley
brekfast is important, yes. but it neeeds to bee providedd by parentss not taxx paayerz.
wgary34
Maybe if someone would of fed when you were in school you would a better writer!
wgary34
Don't take it out on the kids. We should do whatever we have to do in order to make everyones future brighter.