Venting About Reduced Lunch in School Program

joann1218 · ‎03-10-2010

I work in an elementary school as a secretary. I have access to student's files and need to keep certain information confidential, and I do. But please give me this moment to vent and maybe someone will have a way to fix what I see as fraud. To apply for free and reduced lunch in the state of NJ, you fill out an application and do not need to send anything with it to prove your income. Many families apply and are granted free/reduced lunch. Yet, I know for a fact, many are abusing the system. Families purchase homes and I know they receive free and reduced lunch. Students get pulled to travel out of the country for family functions and yet they are on free/reduced lunch. Students, moms and dads come in with designer clothing, handbags and they are on free/reduced lunch. How can families purchase homes, travel out of country, buy designer clothes and yet they have no money for lunch? Fraud is being committed, yet I feel how do I report this, if what I know is confidential? Just venting, but maybe can give me some ideas on how I can report and correct this abuse?

Lacey1 · ‎03-09-2010

Not exactly an answer to your question, but when it comes to kids and school Breakfast/ lunches- I would worry that these kids wouldn't get lunch. Maybe the parents can afford it-but would they give the money to the kids? I would keep my mouth shut, and let the kids eat. Just my opinion.

CrazyDaisy · ‎03-20-2010

I get it. While I think most people are willing to help those that need help, way to many take advantage of every loop hole they can. It just keep growing, as people start to become of the mentality that I should get mine too. After all it is the "government" that is paying for it. Way to many people continue to think that if you increase funding you will solve the problem. Public schools continue to prove that stance wrong.

Someday, when scientists discover the center of the Universe....some people will be disappointed it is not them.

aprilskies · ‎03-09-2010

I think all kids should get free lunch if they are in school - bottom line.

Mustang Shar · ‎03-24-2010

I totally understand your frustration!

I don't know how many times I'd see Medicaid paying medical claims as the primary payer, when the family had health insurance benefits with us! Medicaid knew we were active plan, but continued to pay incorrectly.

colliegirls · ‎05-13-2012

In our district, the family has to fill out a form that asks what other assistance they receive and the case no. It also asks for everyone's wages.

There are abuses in every system, sadly.

missy1 · ‎03-10-2010

I am glad that they are fed.

Maudelynn · ‎05-08-2015

Unless you are aware of the personal details of the families' finances, you really can't know for "a fact" they are abusing the program. People buy homes with assistance from the state/and or other family members. Sometimes kids go on vacations because grandma and grandpa are paying for it.

I wouldn't automatically assume someone is gaming the system.

You have sacrificed nothing and no one.

CouponQueen · ‎10-21-2010

Sigh you will receive many responses on this ..it is a hot topic I am sure.

I am usually very conservative in the 'freebie' programs..In this case while I totally get your outrage..I agree with the poster that the parents probably have their priorities wrong and if they did not receive the free/reduced lunches..the kids would go without. Unfortunate thought but it happens.

That said. What I have found is that many families are not "married" per se in the eyes of the law so the mother is therefore considered "single Mother" and eligible for many entitlements that she would not normally be if married.