Good question! The program has zero costs to the school district and to taxpayers. The program is sponsored by the state and their funding comes from federal grants. Thank goodness, because the state of school funding in Minnesota is such that there is no way this program would exist if local dollars were required.
Short answer, no local taxpayer commitment for Read and Feed.
My daughter participated in this program last year. What a great opportunity for the kids in our district! I can't speak to this year as I haven't been yet, but I know last year there was great participation! And although I'm sure you could make the argument that federal grants come out of tax dollars that we all pay, I doubt that without funding programs like these the Feds would forego that money and lower taxes. They'd just reallocate it somewhere else. I'm grateful there are still these opportunities, especially in light of the current budget conditions. In the grand scheme of things, I'm willing to pay the very minimal tax impact to provide this benefit to our students.
My concern is our district's only message, stated very loud and clear, to every student, employee and the whole community has been "There is no money." Then they offer a free lunch to everyone under 18. That doesn't add up, and someone should be questioning it. As the saying goes--there is no such thing as a free lunch. Now we know the money is coming from our federal taxes.
You're right about this being a great opportunity, and I agree that our taxes would not be lower without this program. I hope many people are taking advantage of this!
Where does the district get the money to feed everyone for 2 months?
Last I heard there is no money for anything and we need a referendum this fall.
Posted by: a taxpayer | May 20, 2010 at 05:36 PM
Good question! The program has zero costs to the school district and to taxpayers. The program is sponsored by the state and their funding comes from federal grants. Thank goodness, because the state of school funding in Minnesota is such that there is no way this program would exist if local dollars were required.
Short answer, no local taxpayer commitment for Read and Feed.
Posted by: Paul Peterson | May 21, 2010 at 06:31 AM
Oh, yeah, one other thing. There will not be a school referendum this fall.
Posted by: Paul Peterson | May 21, 2010 at 06:32 AM
OK the school doesn't pay for it. But federal grants are all from tax dollars so we pay for it either way.
Posted by: a taxpayer | May 28, 2010 at 12:03 AM
So how many people are showing up for these meals??
Has there been a good turn out??
Posted by: a taxpayer | June 16, 2010 at 11:38 PM
My daughter participated in this program last year. What a great opportunity for the kids in our district! I can't speak to this year as I haven't been yet, but I know last year there was great participation! And although I'm sure you could make the argument that federal grants come out of tax dollars that we all pay, I doubt that without funding programs like these the Feds would forego that money and lower taxes. They'd just reallocate it somewhere else. I'm grateful there are still these opportunities, especially in light of the current budget conditions. In the grand scheme of things, I'm willing to pay the very minimal tax impact to provide this benefit to our students.
Posted by: District 508 Mom | June 22, 2010 at 11:02 AM
My concern is our district's only message, stated very loud and clear, to every student, employee and the whole community has been "There is no money." Then they offer a free lunch to everyone under 18. That doesn't add up, and someone should be questioning it. As the saying goes--there is no such thing as a free lunch. Now we know the money is coming from our federal taxes.
You're right about this being a great opportunity, and I agree that our taxes would not be lower without this program. I hope many people are taking advantage of this!
Posted by: a taxpayer | July 05, 2010 at 10:26 AM
I have been to the read and feed, it doesnt really appeal to older kids, but to young kids who want to read or be read to i guess.
Posted by: Mr.SchoolStundentfromSt.Peter | March 01, 2011 at 08:28 AM
Yeah, I was there and it was cool that kids could read and rent books from the book mobile, idk if you could buy or rent them.
Posted by: Dom Jackson | March 02, 2011 at 08:05 AM