| Something Has to Give: Schools Cutting Lunch Options |
| posted by: Colin | June 09, 2010, 08:24 AM |
"Food justice" advocates are in an uproar over New York City's plan to save $23.7 million by cutting meal choices, food-service workers, and free lunches. According toThe Wall Street Journal, Mayor Bloomberg's proposal cuts the number of hot-meal options from three to two or from two to one, depending on how many are currently offered at the school. The plan also cuts 276 food service jobs and would cut the number of schools that receive free lunches. New York City is facing a $5 billion budget deficit this year, and Mayor Bloomberg's May budget proposal called for 4,400 teachers to be laid off. New York City has also cut fire stations, libraries, and services for the youth and elderly. In other words, everybody is feeling the pinch of a tightening belt. Elizabeth Puccini, founder of a group to promote more environmentally friendly schools, claims the lunch cuts will create "a real food-justice issue." City Council member Gale Brewer bemoaned, "Cutting down on food choices is a tragedy and it's outrageous." Really? A tragedy? |