PARENTS:: Would you lie to have your child "qualify" for free/reduced lunch @ school??

Question

I mean if you pay taxes for it--why not, right?? Or am I wrong?? Do you seriously think they would check up on the whole security number thing?!

Answer 1

No, I wouldn't. If I can provide a lunch for my child, I will. That money is set aside for those people that CANNOT provide for their child. If we start using it, then there is less money for those that need it most, and then children starve. I can't believe you'd think it's ok to take from someone who has less than you.

Answer 2

You got a lot of advice here, most of it good especially when it comes to being honest. I was a welfare mom who hated being in the system and really needed that for my child. I eventually finished college and am now an IT professional. As a tax payer I feel like it is my duty to give back, especially if there are other single mothers out there that like me wanted better and needed the system as a "hands-up" not hand out.

Even after finishing school I still had to pinch every dollar I earned, so I sent my daughter to school many days with a sack lunch. Fridays she got a school lunch as a treat...sometimes more days a week, it really depended on how things were going financially at that time. I can tell you that I saved a lot of money packing her sack lunches then I did giving her money daily. She had a thermos and could take hot leftovers and really enjoyed that. I guess my message is do the right thing which is the honest thing. It can leave you with a good feeling, one of pride. It does me and in whatever I do I have the security of never having to look over my shoulder worried about getting caught. You have to ask yourself is it really worth it to lie? Hey if you need to cheat then you may be worse off then you think and you might qualify for free or reduced lunch. You should check into it.

Answer 3

It might seem like a great way to save some money, but if you do get caught, the penalty will outweigh any benefits you gain. They would make you pay back any amount paid for these lunches, plus a fine. Is it really worth saving a few bucks to have that show up on your credit report? I prefer to set a good example for my children by doing the right thing and they have turned into honest adults as a result of this. Plus you know it isn't right, so don't do it.

Answer 4

SO let me get this straight..Its ok to lie to the state government cuz you pay taxes, right.
So if you knew a "welfare mama"who had 5 kids by 5 different men got a fully funded section 8 house and didn't have to pay her own utilities AND got $800 mth.in food stampsand ALL her kids and herself got free medical care including rxs that she sells to support her and her man's crack habit and her and each of her children get SSI checks for $500-900 each ,and bought jewelry and drugs and fancy labeled clothes while you and your husband work and pay taxes (welfare mama don't pay taxes)and you buy groceries and pay for child care ,what about 100 a week? That would be ok with you?Fraud is FRAUD.Be real.That's why we are where we are today.I don't LIE,STEAL or CHEAT and I would never hurt someone intentionly.What else do you plan on teaching your child?Pity the child...

Answer 5

Perhaps you could lobby your school district to provide "Universal Meal" programs. This is where all students receive breakfast/lunch at the school?

The concern about lying to get free/reduced is the following:

1) You are a role model for your child

2) Dependent upon the socio-economic mix of the school, your child may be tagged with the stigma of being one of those kids on free lunch

3) You are perpetuating the stereotype that people using welfare of any sort are scammers and therefore lead to the removal of those funds when your legislator votes to cut that funding.

Answer 6

They do a check (randomly) because this is federal money and not only can u get in trouble but the school as well. Plus you are taking a spot away from a child who may need it more... For some hildren that free lunch is the only meal they get a day...

Answer 7

No, I have too much pride to do that. I wouldn't want if even if my child qualified. Parents also lie to get their children on WIC and that's wrong. Wouldn't you be embarrassed if someone found out your child was getting free/reduced lunch and thought you were going through hard times?

Answer 8

Maybe it isn't right that some people get everything handed to them, while other parents that do have a job, don't get any breaks. But if you have to question this, then it means you wouldn't feel right doing it. I wouldn't do it personally, because I would feel wrong about it. It is lying and stealing. I would rather pay the money, and be blessed in other ways...than try to cheat my way throughout life... even if it is something so simple...

Answer 9

No. Thats totally taking advantage of the system, as a tax payer you should be angered by people who do what you are considering doing. People who take advantage of the system are taking away from the kids and families who need to get free or reduced school lunches.

Answer 10

Well, when my husband was in the Army we qualified for free lunch and it took alot of pressure of of us, they never checked any info that I can remember, but to do it now would feel so wrong! I mean, if he was at home I would have to feed him anyway. And there are kids who really need it. BTW- lunch at my sons school is only $1.50.

Answer 11

I tried to lie and yes the do the whole social security thing. It's not worth it because if and when the find out that you you will have to pay all the $ back.