As parents of children who strive each day to make it to school on time and work hard, we find it disheartening that they have to worry about an insufficient meal. Many students in the Pickens County School system are already hungry by the time they get to school. Studies show that proper nutrition is one of the biggest assets for learning, yet some of our children are being denied this basic right due to financial constraints. We believe all students should be able to eat what is on the menu for everyone, without discrimination based on their ability or inability to afford lunch.

We are petitioning for a change in the Alternative Meals Pilot Program within our school system. This program currently fails many students by not providing them with adequate meals if they cannot pay for lunch. In a country as prosperous as ours, no child should go hungry or be served substandard food because their family can't afford school meals.

According to Feeding America, 1 in 6 children may experience food insecurity this year alone. This statistic is alarming and unacceptable - especially when we consider that these numbers include our own community's children here in Pickens County.

We urge you - educators, administrators and decision-makers within the Pickens County School System - please ensure equal access and non-discriminatory practices when it comes down to feeding every student under your care.

Please sign this petition if you believe that no student should be penalized with an insufficient meal due their family's financial burden.