Over the last couple of days, I kept seeing a photo of a cheese sandwich pop up on Facebook and then the local news. I became even more intrigued when I learned that the controversial sandwich was tied to Kokomo High School, where I graduated. Turns out, a student named Sierra Feitl recently snapped the photo while in line at the school cafeteria. A student ahead of her was served the “alternate” lunch because they allegedly owe over $25.00 in the school lunch program. So the student didn’t receive the regular meal, but instead could choose between a cheese or peanut butter sandwich, served with milk. It’s a policy that Kokomo High School and other areas schools have in place to deal with students/parents who are behind in paying their lunch tab. Sierra posted on her Facebook page that she was “absolutely mortified” over the situation. Mortified?! I’ll admit, it probably was embarrassing for the student who had to settle for the cheese sandwich and milk, but was the school really the one to blame? No. Public schools offer reduced lunch fees for any student who needs financial assistance. Now I don’t know the circumstances of the family in question behind this cheese sandwich, but it sounds like they were just behind in paying on their child’s lunch account. It happens. KHS shouldn’t be on the hook for every student who falls behind in paying for their lunches. It’s the parent’s responsibility. And besides, it’s not like the student went hungry! I’ve had my share of peanut butter sandwiches and a glass of milk for lunch…as a student AND as an adult. Some are making it sound like the school gave this student a couple of crackers and a glass of water! This is a troubling trend to see this young generation overly sensitive, expecting someone else to foot the bill. Remember, the student in this story DID have something to eat for lunch…they didn’t go hungry. Flash forward a couple of years when high school students are now emancipated and out in the REAL cruel, cold world: If you aren’t current on your electric bill for example, they don’t offer you an alternative, they shut off your power. And of course the utility companies do offer assistance for low income families. It’s a cold lesson in life: don’t rely on anyone to take care of you.
