And, no, the term “child dinner” does not mean that moppets are on the menu. They are handed one, though, courtesy of the U.S. Department of Education. Via Julie Gunlock at NRO’s The Corner blog, we learn that the Obama administration is expanding its child-dinner program from 13 states to all 50 (or, if Obama gets his way, all 57 … or is it 58?).
Anyway, Gunlock has the details:
What — you weren’t aware of the child-dinner program? Thought your kids could only get breakfast and lunch? Well, put away your apron, because now your kids can get three squares courtesy of the federal government and your tax dollars.
USDA undersecretary Kevin Concannon announced the expansion last week, saying the goal “is to make sure that kids are getting adequately fed and getting nutritious food.” But the Obama administration isn’t just hoping to help a few underfed kids. Asked last year about the administration’s goals with regards to child nutrition, Concannon revealed a much more ambitious agenda, saying “our goal is to provide a systematic and a reliable way for children across the country to get adequate nutrition 365 days a year.”
That really sums it up. The Obama administration seeks to feed this nation’s children all year round — not just when school is in session.
Yup. And depressing, if you care about encouraging parental responsibility and a sensible federal budget. This bit of government expansion, by the way, is courtesy of the lame-duck session of Congress.
When is Obama, as he promised in the campaign, going to go through the federal budget line by line and cut wasteful spending? On his last day in office after a second term when he’s instituted or expanded 5,000 new federal programs?
And what’s next for the (nearly literal) nanny state after this? AmeriCorps “volunteers” dispatched to change diapers? Uncle Sam picking up Brianna and Jacob from soccer practice? Obama reading the nation’s children bedtime stories? (Oh no … I don’t want to give this administration any ideas.)
By the way, if you want some of The Heartland Institute’s free-market/libertarian research on the federal school lunch program, click here.
