2014
A Salt Lake City elementary school took food from the mouths of babes this week: concerned about parents not paying for the school lunch program, officials decided to withhold lunch. Alas, cafeteria workers weren’t alerted until after lunches had been distributed, removing the food from the students plates and throwing it away before it could be eaten. The Salt Lake Tribune reports:
“It was pretty traumatic and humiliating,” said Erica Lukes, whose 11-year-old daughter had her cafeteria lunch taken from her as she stood in line Tuesday at Uintah Elementary School.
Lukes said as far as she knew, she was all paid up. “I think it’s despicable,” she said. “These are young children that shouldn’t be punished or humiliated for something the parents obviously need to clear up.”
Children whose lunches were taken were given milk and fruit instead.
1837
No one captured the plight of hungry children as effectively as Charles Dickens. In Oliver Twist, the titular hero, stuck in a dismal orphanage, learns what happens to those who dare to ask for an extra bite:
The board members of the workhouse were sitting in solemn conclave when the preacher Mr. Bumble rushed into the room in great excitement, and addressing the gentleman in the high chair, said, “Mr. Limbkins, I beg your pardon, sir—Oliver Twist has asked for more.” There was a general start. Horror was depicted on every countenance.
“For more!” said Mr. Limbkins. “Compose yourself, Bumble, and answer me distinctly. Do I understand that he asked for more, after he had eaten the supper allotted by the dietary?”
“He did, sir,” replied Bumble.
“That boy will be hung,” said a gentleman in a waistcoat; “I know that boy will be hung.”