How wonderful to read that my tax dollars are being used in a mindful, positive and compassionate way. Hungry children in America are a reality which needs to be fixed. Greed driven national politics won't do it; so local solutions must. I was touched and proud to read this article.

How do we know that the children receiving the food are actually in need/ unable to afford their own food? A food truck rolls up to a park and free food appears to anyone for the asking? I doubt that they're asking for "need based" credentials. Families that qualify for welfare get food stamps so are given money to buy food therefore should be able to provide lunch for their own kids. I don't get this- seems like just another feel good taxpayer handout.

I love this program, but there should be some communication that this food is meant for kids in need, not any kids who happen to pass by. I know of several families who used this program during the summer out of convenience, not need (because they happened to be at a park at lunchtime, or their kids were in camp). I felt very uncomfortable hearing how excited they were about "free food" when it might have meant that some other kids who actually needed the food wouldn't get it.

Are Confused and Parent arguing against all kids being fed? I'd rather a world with 0 starving kids, even if their parents have resources. These are kids we're talking about and these are very basic meals.

I am definitely against adults abusing the system, but when it comes to children, they have little say themselves in the world.

I like to see children fed! I was only arguing that parents who can afford to feed their kids should feed their kids out of their own pockets and leave the free food for the kids whose parents can't afford to feed them.

Part of the reason for the "free food" is to remove the stigma for hungry kids and unfortunately people will take advantage of the program.

I'm proud our (majority) community values are expressed by this program. Extending the program for school-aged poor children through the entire summer, and making it accessible at 'the point of need' is an excellent example of good public policy, and great public administration.

Dr. Rudolph, in many ways, is becoming 'the genie of the place'. A soul that embodies the spirit of companion for the less-well-off that I think characterizes MV. (and MVWSD) He made a good hire in the food program, and has let his staff room to work out cooperative deals with other services providers.

In this instance, "Benchmark class" results. Another dictionary definition for 'the genie of the place' is genius.

SN is a retired Trustee of the MVWSD and 1/5 responsible for hiring Dr. Rudolph and bringing him to our community.