Republican Calls Out School Lunches

Rep. Rich McCormick (R-Ga.) stirred up a heated discussion recently when he suggested that students should work for their lunches instead of relying solely on government assistance. This remark came in response to the proposed federal funding freeze by President Trump, which aimed to cut back on nutrition support programs for children across the nation.

During a CNN interview with Pamela Brown, McCormick recalled his own experience of working while in high school. He pointed out that he began working at a young age, even before the establishment of child labor laws, picking berries in the fields and delivering newspapers. By the time he was in high school, he had a job to pay for his own expenses, including meals. McCormick emphasized the value of work as a way to teach children responsibility and self-sufficiency.

When asked about the potential impact of Trump’s proposed funding freeze, particularly on school lunch programs, McCormick argued that students today have the opportunity to gain valuable work experience, particularly in the fast food industry, which many teenagers have historically used as a stepping stone. He questioned the idea of providing free lunches to kids who could be working, and suggested that rather than depending on the government, young people should learn the value of hard work and contribute to their own well-being.

Brown countered by pointing out that many of the children who benefit from these programs are too young to work, specifically noting that the program helps children as young as five years old. McCormick acknowledged this, conceding that his proposal wouldn’t apply to all children, but maintained his belief in encouraging a culture of self-reliance.

While some may see McCormick’s stance as harsh, it reflects a broader Republican viewpoint on reducing government dependency and promoting personal responsibility. It raises important questions about how we balance assistance with the promotion of work ethic among younger generations.