This is a multi state problem... To include my beloved Texas... and it is NOT just a "Southern" thang...
My thought is just provide lunch. No payment required. I know some rich kids will get over... Big Whoop... No child should ever be made to feel bad because they are hungry. I always had money for lunch so I do think I was blessed.
I may be wrong but there is no way I will ever believe that a lot of money will be saved by getting rid of the cash registers, book keeping and expense of collecting money from mom and dad.
I am not for entitlement programs or increasing government spending. I do not see this as another entitlement program. Schools have enough problems without putting effort into creating more. And hungry children become angry children and it only gets worse, plus you create a have and have not divide. No one wins.
For me it is common sense that not all parents are equal and some do not have the money to give their children and some are scum and won't give their children money. A distant relative of mine thought nothing of his children going hungry while he had a would go have a steak finger basket... I hope hell exists and he is getting all the attention he deserves...
Thoughts???