Sadly, I think most of the children in this district get free meals also. But to buy them here, it is expensive! Last time I subbed, my lunch was $2.50. Of course I had the adult lunch with bigger portions, but I had brought my own drink. My same selections for a child lunch would have been $2. For a family with several kids, that adds up. Breakfast for kids at the middle school is $1. I can pack several school lunches for that.
Several times I have had to rob the change jar so I could buy my lunch. I try to keep something in the freezer for those last minute call to sub days, but often the call comes too late in the morning for me to pack my lunch.
I also see kids who buy their school lunches, then throw over half of it away, then they whine all afternoon they are hungry. If they had a sack lunch, they may be more inclined to eat it if they pack what they like. When my kids were in school, I made them bring their leftovers home so I could judge what they ate and didn't eat--esp. for my DD4 who has medical issues.
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