Fewer kids getting federal summer meals

WASHINGTON - Participation in summer meal programs has dropped for seven years running, mainly because those who provide the food are getting entangled in too much government red tape, according to an anti-hunger group.
In a report being released Thursday, the Food Research and Action Center said complicated accounting rules have forced some sponsors out of the programs and scared others away. As evidence, researchers noted that participation is on the rise in states taking part in a pilot program that reduces paperwork and pays more overhead costs.

"Less red tape means more children are fed," said the group's president, Jim Weill.

Citing Agriculture Department data, the group said the vast majority of children who qualify aren't getting free meals and snacks from summer programs. Last year, free meals went to 2.8 million children — 18 of every 100 kids who are eligible.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060713/ap_on_re_us/summer_meals

Before they get as much as a single juice box.

And if you want free food on the government's dime, you're gonna have to meet with a military recruiter each time.



:sarcasm:

:scared:

the rich need their tax cuts!

In 1983 and '84 I worked with a children's program in Chelsea, MA. At noon, we took the kids to the park, and a truck pulled up and gave fed lunches to any kid in the park, no questions asked. I think the city arranged it. We certainly didn't deal with any red tape...and that was under Reagan!!!

These people are incompetent. Give the kids their peanut butter and oj!! Geez!!

The government is just doing its part to whip them into shape.

can pull themselves up by their bootstrapes, just like W and Dickey Cheney did when they were young.

these kids could get jobs and earn their meals.