Lunch is served. (Lewis Geyer, Longmont Times-Call)
Re: “Cherry Creek Schools fires employee who gave free lunch to hungry kids,” June 2 news story; and “Cherry Creek Schools says lunch lady wasn’t fired for giving away food,” June 4 news story.
In the land of plenty, it is shocking that 2 out of 5 Colorado children do not know where their next meal will come from. Programs such as free and reduced-price school breakfasts and lunches help to reduce — but fall short of eliminating — a child’s hunger.
Although controversial, the intentions of Della Curry (the recently fired Dakota Valley Elementary School lunch lady) helped bring to light this important issue. As local pediatricians, we see child hunger affect aspects of health and development on a regular basis. This problem only grows in the summer when the programs mentioned above are not as readily available.
However, multiple schools and community organizations are working to combat this problem. When faced with a hungry child this summer, or for ways to find local resources, we recommend you start by referring to kidsfoodfinder.org or 855-855-4626. Letap continue the discussion started by Curry to make sure no child goes hungry in our communities.
Nicholas Breitnauer, M.D., Denver
Allison Hicks, M.D., Denver
Rebecca Kamins, M.D., DenverThis letter was published in the June 11 edition.
When my son was in second grade, he was told he had no more money in his lunch account and was given cheese and crackers. I had paid by check weeks previous, and when I addressed this with the teacher, she realized she had left the check on her desk amidst a pile of paperwork and apologized profusely.
My point being: These are children. They deserve to eat. Do not punish the child for the fault of the adults.
Kudos to Della Curry, the lunch lady hero.
Dawn Howard, Lone Tree
This letter was published in the June 11 edition.
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