More than 40% of Dorchester Public School students receive their school meals courtesy of the taxpayers. That is according to the latest "State of the Schools Report" released by the Nebraska Department of Education based on data from the previous school year.
Dorchester Schools' free or reduced-price meals have soared in recent years. In 2008, 26% of the DPS student body were on the government program.
The rules determining whether students can get their meals free or reduced are set at the federal level in Washington, DC. Those guidelines are based on family size and income or benefits such as Food Stamps or Temporary Assistance to Needy Families.
Roughly 34% of students in the Wilber-Clatonia school district receive free or reduced price lunches, while about 30% in the Friend school district get their meals courtesy of the taxpayer.
Nearly 55% in the Crete school district get free or reduced meals.
Meanwhile, in Milford, fewer than 16% of that district's students are on the government meal program.
Meanwhile, in Milford, fewer than 16% of that district's students are on the government meal program.
Across Nebraska, 45% of K-12 students get taxpayer-subsidized or purchased meals. That number has increased from 30% in 2000 -- which leads us to believe that politicians (who get votes based on handouts) continue to water down the definition of "impoverished."
A reader who pointed us to these figures raises a good point. He wrote: "This is an excellent learning opportunity for youngsters who complain about the quality and quantity of food they're being served under First Lady Michelle Obama's school lunch guidelines. When the government pays your way, you will do what you're told and you will like it. Keep that in mind."
A reader who pointed us to these figures raises a good point. He wrote: "This is an excellent learning opportunity for youngsters who complain about the quality and quantity of food they're being served under First Lady Michelle Obama's school lunch guidelines. When the government pays your way, you will do what you're told and you will like it. Keep that in mind."
........... a few years back a buddy of mine was complaining about the high price to feed his cattle ........................... told him if you cant afford to feed your cattle dont have cattle .............................................. same goes for kids ...............................................................................
ReplyDeleteWell "Amen" to that! (Now I am starting to feel the warm fuzzies for old cynical richard. Cannot say that happens every day). ��
ReplyDeleteCynical Dick for President!!!!
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't go that far.
DeleteI do have a rhetorical question, however. This is interesting statistical information that impacts all of us who work and pay taxes. Why does not the Omaha newspaper or Lincoln newspaper report on this and instead leave it to a little old blog in Dorchester, Nebr.?