All Illinois Students Get Lunch And My Heart Is Full | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

All Students In Illinois Can Finally Get Lunch And It Makes My Heart Full

My fear can finally rest.

411
All Students In Illinois Can Finally Get Lunch And It Makes My Heart Full
Lexi Napierkowski

Lunch. My favorite class in school. No seriously, if I had to give myself a grade for it, I'd get an A+ every single day and year...at least till my junior year in high school. My dad, unfortunately, lost his job and it was a really scary time for me. I worry about everything, many people know, and so I automatically began to worry about my family's financial situation, which isn't really my business as a child, but I couldn't help myself.

The main thing that worried me the most was food. Would I even be able to bring lunch to school? Well, yeah, my family was still financially stable for a while for me to do that, but then my mom told me about how I would be able to get free lunches at school due to our financial situation. All I had to do was swipe my student ID and be on my way to eat.

At first, I was completely embarrassed about not being able to pay for lunch, my friends would ask why I got to get free food. I felt singled out until I learned how many kids at my high school went through the program too. It made me feel fortunate that our school district was fortunate enough to have the money to cover our meals so no child went hungry. What I didn't realize though, was that not all schools in Illinois were as lucky as we were.

Just recently did Gov. Rauner sign a bill to make a law about this.

I'm really not into politics, but when I heard about the new law in class the other day, it made me stop and wonder why it wasn't a law before. There were students in Illinois who weren't able to afford lunch, any nutrition for themselves, and the schools wouldn't be able to have the money to take care of them. The thought left me feeling heartbroken. What if these children didn't get enough food at home either? They'd go hungry, and lack of proper nutrition can take a dangerous toll on their education and health. What if they were scared about not being able to have anything?

I know what it's like to be in their shoes, and it's hard to take it all in, even as an upperclassman in high school. Even when financial things aren't for the children to worry about, knowing that a parent doesn't have a job and hearing them talk about every expense they're worried about can make any kid wonder and worry about the future. Kids are much smarter than people think they are.

But now, I can be happy. The law takes effect immediately and I couldn't feel more satisfied. Schools are required to give lunches to students who qualify for the statewide program. Children who were less fortunate would be fed lunch. At least it would be one more meal in their day.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Relationships

11 Things Summer Nannies Can Relate To

There are plenty of obstacles that come when taking care of kids, but it's a very rewarding experience.

47
11 Things Summer Nannies Can Relate To

As a college student, being a nanny over the summer is both enjoyable and challenging. Underneath the seemingly perfect trips to the pool or countless hours spent playing Monopoly are the obstacles that only nannies will understand. Trading in your valuable summer vacation in return for three months spent with a few children less than half your age may seem unappealing, but so many moments make it rewarding. For my fellow summer nannies out there, I know you can relate.

Keep Reading...Show less
girl

If it hurts now, it'll hurt again. Not because you're gullible or naive, only because you fall fast, hard, and you do it every time.

We fall each and every time with the complete and utter confidence that someone will be there to catch us. Now that person we SWORE we were never going to fall for has our hearts, and every time we see them our palms start sweating. The butterflies in our stomach start to soar and our hearts are entirely too close to bursting out of our chests.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

10 Things Only Equestrians Understand

Yes, it IS a sport. Yes, I fall all the time. No, I do not ride in jeans with a cowgirl hat on.

458
horses
Barn Pros

Growing up I have always wanted to own a horse. My grandparents own a well known equestrian facility in Georgia, so I have been riding since I was born. A bond between a person and their horse is a bond so strong that it cannot be broken. Everywhere I went I wanted to be around horses, even forcing my family to go on trail rides during vacations. Horses have been a part of my life for as long as I can remember has taught me great responsibility, as well as 14 things that all equestrians can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
man wearing white top using MacBook
Photo by Tim Gouw on Unsplash

College is super hard. Between working, studying, and having a social life, it feels like a struggle to just keep afloat.

I understand. When you feel like your drowning and there's no way to stay afloat I understand that it feels like everyone else is doing just fine. I understand all the frustration, long nights in the library, and that feeling that you want to just throw in the towel. I understand that sometimes it's too hard to get out of bed because your brain is already filled with too much information to remember. I understand because I am also feeling pretty burnt out.

Keep Reading...Show less
No Matter How Challenging School Gets, You Have To Put Your Health First — A Degree Won't Mean Anything If You're Dead
Photo by JESHOOTS.COM on Unsplash

Some of the best advice I've ever received was from my social studies teacher in sophomore year of high school. He stated, "If you don't know it at midnight, you're not going to know it for the 8 a.m. exam, so get some sleep."

It's such a simple piece of advice, but it holds so much accuracy and it's something that the majority of college students need to hear and listen to. "All-nighters" are a commonality on college campuses in order to cram in studying for an exam that is typically the next day.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments