Arizona state Republicans are proposing an end to free lunches for needy children.
A senate panel has already voted, 6-1, to allow schools to opt out of a federal food program that has been in force since 1946.
State Republican Senator Rich Crandall says Arizona should not force schools to participate in the program. If needy children are attending schools that decide to opt out, he told the East Valley Tribune, they should find another school that does participate.
Crandall says new USDA regulations prompted the action, but student advocates say schools opting out of the federal program should at least be required to provide some form of meal assistance to needy students.
Crandall has refused to include any such requirement in the legislation. The Tribune says he's not worried about needy kids; the school boards will take care of them.
The full senate will vote next.
Tell Arizona Republicans: Don't Deny Meals to Needy Students.
A senate panel has already voted, 6-1, to allow schools to opt out of a federal food program that has been in force since 1946.
State Republican Senator Rich Crandall says Arizona should not force schools to participate in the program. If needy children are attending schools that decide to opt out, he told the East Valley Tribune, they should find another school that does participate.
Crandall says new USDA regulations prompted the action, but student advocates say schools opting out of the federal program should at least be required to provide some form of meal assistance to needy students.
Crandall has refused to include any such requirement in the legislation. The Tribune says he's not worried about needy kids; the school boards will take care of them.
The full senate will vote next.
Tell Arizona Republicans: Don't Deny Meals to Needy Students.